Simply the Best

To paraphrase the classic Tina Turner mega-hit – Marilyn Horne is, and was “simply the best, better than anyone” as far as mezzos in the world of opera are concerned.  An American superstar, she was to every alto worldwide what Callas was to sopranos and Pavarotti to tenors.  Though she began her long career in soprano roles, and was perhaps the most famous Carmen during the  1970s, the singer specialized in the far more difficult and less popular florid operas of Rossini, Handel and Bellini, and often appeared alongside of the great, above mentioned tenor throughout his glorious career.

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On March 7, at St. Joseph College in West Hartford, the Connecticut Concert Opera presented the iconic mezzo in a master class at the Hoffman Auditorium. 

Five talented young women from three neighboring universities, plus an aspiring tenor from war-torn Angola were selected to reap the enormous benefits of Ms. Horne’s vast experience and expertise.  This was the third master class conducted by a Metropolitan Opera diva to come to Hartford since 2006, ad it was by far the longest (three and one half hours) and most informative.  Like Martina Arroyo, “Jackie” (as Horne is known in the industry) is also admired for her brand of wit, candor and humor, and here she did not disappoint her enraptured audience of students, music teachers and opera buffs.  In essence the afternoon was a lesson in anatomy, linguistics, theater, and confidence development –all the finer things a singer needs to know before even uttering a sound.

The Connecticut Concert Opera has an interesting, fun, and unusual event coming July 8 – the “American Opera Idol” competition, a classy take-off on the popular TV  series, but with an operatic twist.  In October, the company also presents a semi-staged version of Rossini’s hilarious Barber of Seville (an old Horne signature role.)