Artist Of The Week: Diana Damrau Debuts Her First Tudor Queen In ‘Maria Stuarda

By Francisco Salazar

For years, Diana Damrau has been one of the of the reigning Bel Canto singers in the world. She has dominated many of Donizetti’s, Rossini’s and Bellini’s heroines and she has also become one of the most prominent interpreters of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.”

This week, she adds another Bel Canto masterwork to her repertoire – the title role of “Maria Stuarda” at the Zurich Opera. In many ways, this is a new direction for Damrau as it is the start of the Tudor repertoire and a more lyric role for the soprano who has to this point dominated the coloratura repertoire. Damrau had hinted at this role debut back in 2015 when she recorded the aria “Nella pace del meto risposa” in her acclaimed album “Fiamma del Belcanto,”  so it will be interesting to finally see the complete role in her repertoire.

For those who are not present to see the performances, Damrau will also sing the role in concert performances in Berlin. She will also make another role debut as Marguerite in “Faust,” showcasing yet another side of Damrau’s vocal skills.

Throughout her career, Damrau has performed numerous Bel Canto operas including “Linda di Chamonix,” “Lucia di Lammermoor,” “La Fille du Régiment,” “Don Pasquale,” “L’Elisir d’Amore,” “La Sonnambula,” “I Purtani,” “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” and “Le Comte Ory,” among others. She has also performed in many of the leading theaters around the world and has an exclusive recording contract with Warner Classics.

Recordings

For those not familiar with Damrau in Donizetti’s music, the soprano has two recording of “Lucia di Lammermoor” on DVD and CD.  She also has her acclaimed recording “Fiamma del Bel canto” which showcases her vocal talents in Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, and Leoncavallo.

 

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