Opera News & Press

Violetta casts her spell

Read a review of La Traviata in the Times Picayune.

Violetta casts her spell: Georgia Jarman's stunning performance in Traviata can't be forgotten

April 21, 2009

Theodore P. Mahne

The New Orleans Opera Association's 2008-09 season will be remembered for many things, among them the opera company's return home to the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts and a splendid gala concert with Placido Domingo.

With grace and elegance, this past weekend's closing production of Verdi's "La Traviata" rose to take its place as the operatic highlight of the season.

With a production that was vocally and visually stunning, the New Orleans Opera found a freshness in this repertoire warhorse that was unexpected and enticing.

Simply stated, soprano Georgia Jarman was a Violetta for the ages.

From the moment the curtain rose, Jarman, a superb singer and actress, captivated the audience and held it until her last breath. Vocally, she sparkled throughout the night -- her "Sempre libera," played as if she were just a bit tipsy, was a coloratura tour de force, sung with power and cascading grace. Her duets with Alfredo, and particularly with the elder Germont, were softly delicate and compelling. Such is her artistry that she sang her softest lines pianissimo and yet could still project them across the theater.

Baritone Stephen Powell gave Giorgio Germont a powerful voice and commanding stage presence. His touching duet with Jarman in the second act was the vocal pinnacle of the evening, as their voices joined together to warmly caress the audience.

Director Jay Jackson, who directed the company's fondly remembered 2007 production of "Il Trittico," again displayed a keen hand in painting lovely images on stage. From the opening candlelit tableau through the lush party scenes to touching personal moments between the principals, Jackson gave his performers motivation and individualized characterizations that consistently rang true.

The sumptuous sets by David Gano make "Traviata" one of the most beautiful productions from the company's studio, particularly when lit by Don Darnutzer's exquisitely evocative lighting designs.

The New Orleans Opera Chorus, under Carol Rausch's direction, enlivened the party scenes with vocal and visual delights. The Brindisi of the opening act was as bubbly and infectious as ever.

In the pit, General Director Robert Lyall and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra gave a rich reading of Verdi's score. The Belle Époque revelry of the score is soaked in Champagne. In establishing the lush tempo, Lyall emphasized the melancholy price Verdi charges, even amid the joie de vivre elements of the score.

It was a triumphant end to a memorable season.