Košice
World-famous Edita Gruberová gave a performance of Donizetti´s Anne Boleyn in the House of Art in Košice, the European Capital of Culture. The operatic diva sang with other talented artists.
Concert at the House of Art in Košice, September 15th, 2013
a concert interpretation of Donizetti´s Anne Boleyn
Foto: Ľudovít Vongrej
This rarely-performed opera was a good choice - in Slovakia, Anne Boleyn has been performed only twice /in the Chamber Opera of Bratislava in 1994 and 1995/. Jozef Benci, Regina Richter, Philippe Do, Atala Shockk, Kristian Cser, and Tibor Szappanos presented this challenging bel canto opera together with Edita Gruberová. World-famous Slovak tenor Pavol Bršlík, as well as Russian mezzo-soprano Elena Maxima who were originally in the cast, had to cancel due to illness. The State Philharmonia in Košice and the Philharmonic Choir of Debrecen were conducted by Andriy Yurkevich.
Concert at the House of Art in Košice, September 15th, 2013
a concert interpretation of Donizetti´s Anne Boleyn
Foto: Ľudovít Vongrej
The names of the artists themselves guaranteed a great musical experience. The concert was exceptional not only by being held in Košice, the European Capital of Culture but also for the fact that Edita Gruberová was singing in Košice for the first time.. The artist had looked forward to this concert and afterwards, she said: „I was really satisfied with the concert, the audience was fantastic, also the conductor, orchestra and the choir. I am glad that I have finally sung in Košice.“
The audience in the House of Art in Košice included also guests from other countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Japan. A group of Japanese admirers proudly pinned the badge with a portrait of the performing artist on their chests.
Japanese admirers of Edita Gruberová in Košice
Foto: Ľudovít Vongrej
One of the most famous bel canto operas, which is about the English Queen, Anne, the second wife of Henry VIII., is based on historical events. These are principally known thanks to Shakespeare´s drama Henry VIII. The king´s marriage to Anne Boleyn ends uncommonly – Anne Boleyn is, as an inconvenient wife, beheaded. The opera is known for highly demanding arias. That is why only a few artists in the world have been able to perform it as part of their repertoir.
Edita Gruberova´s performance, as well as the other artists´ performance,, fulfilled the expectations of the audience. The exceptional concert significantly enriched the concert and operatic activities not only in Košice, but also the whole of Slovakia. Edita Gruberová does not often sing in our country, so her arrival is always a festive occasion.
Concert at the House of Art in Košice, September 15th, 2013
a concert interpretation of Donizetti´s Anne Boleyn
Foto: Ľudovít Vongrej
As it often happens at concerts given by Edita Gruberová, she had to take a great many bows at the end endlessly, and a large part of spectators seem unable to part from her. After the last bow, these members moved to the foyer to meet the artist personally and ask her for the autograph.
Endless taking a bow for devoted admirers
foto: Ľudovít Vongrej
Signing autographs in Košice
foto: Ľudovít Vongrej
Prepared: Ľudovít Vongrej, Natália Mózerová
