Stefania Dovhan, alum of Baltimore School for the Arts, enjoys triumph at Spoleto Festival USA
From Howard Kissel, writing for MusicalAmerica.com, comes this rave about soprano Stefania Dovhan, a product of the Baltimore School for the Arts and University of Maryland and winner of the Rosa Ponselle Young Classical Singers Competition (2000). She has the title role in Charpentier's neglected gem, Louise:
The Spoleto revival, which runs through June 6, is blessed with Stefania Dovhan, a soprano who clearly understands both the musical and dramatic potential of the title role. Dovhan, making her U.S. debut with these performances, is a remarkable discovery. She has a voice rich in every register and a sure sense of theater. She conveyed all the lushness and suaveness of the hit tune (“Depuis le Jour”) as if she had been singing it all her life.
And from Tim Page, guest critic for the local Charleston paper, another rave: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/may/24/gamble_on_louise_pays_off83460/
Comments
Hopefully she will get more gigs through this role because she was absolutely breathtaking as Louise!! And it was great to hear Barbara Dever as the mother...such a beautiful voice and presence.
Thanks for the comments. I wouldn't be surprised if this success led more companies to take a fresh look at 'Louise.' TIM
Posted by: Y | May 31, 2009 3:07 PM
Hi Tim, just stopping by on your blog. I'm down here playing in the Spoleto Festival Orchestra. We in the pit have been enjoying Stefania's performances (though we can't see very well...). She is also singing on a recital right now but I can't make it, though I'm sure it will be great.
Thanks for the report from the down under, as it were. I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more of and from Stefania after this. TIM
Posted by: David | June 4, 2009 5:27 PM