Critical Roundup: Maria Stuarda at Teatro Real
Lisette Oropesa's debut as Maria Stuarda in Donizetti's bel canto masterpiece at Teatro Real, Madrid, has sparked an array of reactions from critics. Directed by David McVicar, this production has been praised for its dramatic depth and stunning visual elements. Below is a selection of highlights from the reviews:
What the Critics Are Saying:
La Vanguardia (Spanish): "[Lisette Oropesa] gave credibility to the queen that humbles herself and rages, the naive one who insults the monarch, and then heads to her torment, redemption, and resignation."
ABC.es (Spanish): "Oropesa offers a luminous voice that makes it hard to predict the later transformation: the humiliation during the encounter with Elisabetta, the resignation, and the conviction she achieves in the sinister final scene."
Shangay (Spanish): "Clean, perfect, delicate, naive, exquisite... [her] mastery of legato was worthy of the great singer she is."
El Español (Spanish): "Oropesa has maintained the clarity and transparency of her singing, with breathtaking breath control and a characteristic vibrato so personal."
Platea Magazine (Spanish): "Her interpretation enamors, and her singing deeply moves, particularly in the emotional ‘Preghiera’ scene."
El Pais (Spanish): "Her bellissima performance almost brought the scene to a halt with the beauty of her filati."
La Razón (Spanish): "In that final scene, I felt an emotion I had not experienced in a long time... closing my eyes, I could hear the intentions and weapons of Caballé, and opening them, I even saw her on stage."
El Confidencial (Spanish): "The diva reacts with insulting authority and technical excellence, converting torment into a mystical experience."
GB Opera Magazine (Italian): "The long final scene, with the interaction with the choir and the desperate prayer, showed her to be an excellent interpreter, celebrated by the Madrid audience."
Premiere Loge Opera (French): "Lisette Oropesa triumphed in the role, delivering a ‘Deh! Tu di un’umile preghiera’ of exquisite beauty, magnified by long filati sung piano and pianissimo."
Cult.news (French): "Her entrance aria was exemplary, but the cabaletta revealed the demanding nature of the role. However, her full commitment as an artist allowed her to overcome challenges with intelligence."
Dece Notas (Spanish): "Oropesa demonstrated contained despair in her final tour de force, delivering a performance that left the audience spellbound."
Opera Actual (Spanish): "Oropesa, in a state of grace, delivered unmatched agility, flawless pianissimi, and breathtaking filati, especially in the famous prayer of the last act."
