Go for the story, but stay for the singing.
. . . at its heart, “La Traviata” is an intimate love story in which the fatally-ill heroine gives up everything for love. And that is where this performance stood out from all the others . . .
As the doomed courtesan, Pérez delivered as complete a portrait as one could wish for, and was in beautiful voice all evening. Small wonder she is called one of America’s fastest rising stars in the cover story of Opera News’ August issue.
Hers was a breathtaking portrayal, beginning with her showstopping flights of coloratura as she traveled through a range of emotions in Act I. She tackled the famous “Sempre libera” (”Always free”) with abandonment – and with high notes as sparkling as the wine glass she dashed on the floor.
The pain of giving up her lover was palpable in her Act II scene with baritone Marco Caria, who gave a dignified performance as Germont. The final scene, as Violetta bid farewell to life, was deeply moving. Her beauty of phrasing, the pure, sweet tone of her voice and the way she floated high pianissimos were unforgettable . . .”
Janelle Gelfand – Cincinnati.com