Classical WETA Opera House is set to air Friedrich Schiller's play about the fatal rivalry between Queen Elizabeth I and her cousin, Mary Stuart, Queen of the Scots, Maria Stuarda on Classical WETA 90.9FM this Saturday, February 20 at 1 p.m.
While based relatively closely on historical characters and events, the opera's central scene is fictional: the highly emotional meeting of the queens that concludes the first act (originally invented by Schiller) never took place. It's a dramatic device that brilliantly highlights the two women's contrasting characters. Riccardo Frizza conducts, and the cast features Sondra Radvanovsky, Elza van den Heever, Celso Albelo and more.
In a recent review the New York Times' Vivien Schweitzer raved that Sondra Radvanovsky's performance in Maria Stuarda at the Metropolitan Opera back in December was magnificent, despite her being under the weather at the time:
"Ms. Radvanovsky's voice sounded huge and radiant in the tender "O nube! Che lieve per l'aria," her reminiscence about France and freedom.
"She navigated the coloratura hurdles with ease throughout, her shading, dynamic control and expressive nuance rendering the confession scene particular potent."
James Jorden of Observer.com, however, insists that while the power Radvanosky's voice may be undeniable the rest of her performance in Maria Stuarda leaves a little something to be desired:
"To be sure, Ms. Radvanovsky's acting fell short of her vocalism, tending toward glumly anguished facial expressions and random voguing standing in for purposeful gestures."
Check out Maria Stuarda when it airs on at 1 p.m. on Classical WETA 90.9FM this Saturday, February 20, your form you own opinion of Radvanovsky's talent.
