Romantic Valentine’s Classics

From Piano Legends to Operatic Superstars; internationally renowned Soprano, Kishani Jayasinghe will be joining the RSNO this weekend for a very special Romantic Valentine’s Classics Concert.

After starting her career in Opera later than most, Kishani made history in 2006 when she became the first Sri Lankan to perform on the main stage of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

With her beautifully rich vocals and striking stage presence, Kishani has given many a memorable performance in roles such as Chloe in Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades, Rosina in The Ghost of Versailles and Don Giovanni’s Donna Elvira. In 2010 she made her European debut as Mimi in Puccini’s La bohème, a role which she had “always dreamed of” and one that she will relive with the RSNO and conductor Jean-Claude Picard, as she performs the well-known aria Si, Mi chiamano Mimi.

Kishani will also share the romantic duet O soave fancuilla from La bohème, with Scotland’s very own Nicky Spence who has been hailed by the Daily Telegraph as “a voice of real distinction.” Having performed with the likes of Metropolitan Opera, Scottish Opera, Grange Park Opera and New Zealand Opera; Nicky has just finished his role as Števa Buryja in Janacek’s Jenufa at La Monnaie in Brussels and is fast becoming one of today’s finest young artists.

Set in 19th Century Paris, La bohème tells the tragic and timeless love story of penniless poet, Rodolfo and Mimi, an unassuming seamstress whose ill fate denies the couple their utmost desire to be together. A story of love and loss that reflects on everyday life, Puccini’s most celebrated opera is undoubtedly one of the greatest love stories ever told and one that is adored by many.

Such love and heart-break continues in our Valentine’s programme with excerpts from Verdi’s La traviata, a tear-jerking tale of compassion and self-sacrifice and Tchaikovsky’s dramatically turbulent Eugene Onegin, which includes Tatiana’s famous Letter Scene - arguably one of the most powerful arias ever written for Soprano.

Music from the much-loved musical My Fair Lady, along with Strauss’ Overture from Die Fledermaus and selections from some of Franz Lehár’s operettas, adds to this jam-packed programme of Romantic Classics, which coupled with the dazzling charm and sublime vocals of both soloists makes for the perfect Valentine’s evening.

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Fri 14 Feb – EDN

Sat 15 Feb – GLW