Joyce DiDonato, Stella di Napoli

Joyce DiDonato, Barbican: o ne of the world's finest singers performs her selection of Bel Canto.

Joyce DiDonato, one the finest mezzo-sopranos of our time, is at the height of her powers. London is fortunate that the American is the focus of the Barbican’s ‘Artist Spotlight’ - meaning she’ll perform a series of concerts throughout the Barbican season 2013-14 to showcase her extraordinary gift.

For her first concert, ‘Stella di Napoli’ DiDonato has selected pieces from the repertoire with which made her name: the music of early nineteenth century Italian opera, or ‘Bel Canto’. Its composers, Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini (whose music constitutes the bulk of the concert) brought to the fore the ‘prima donna soprano’ - a soloist who’d delight with her vocal dexterity and virtuosity; we can expect a dazzling showcase of rare musical expertise.  

DiDonato handpicked the orchestra and conductor who’ll accompany her: the prestigious Orchestre de l’Opera de Lyon , safe under the baton of violinist and conductor Ricardo Minasi.

Perhaps the highlight of the concert will be the aria ’Dopo l’oscuro nembo’ from the opera Adelson e Salvini, composed by a twenty-three year old Bellini in 1826. This deeply tender, melancholic aria requires a singer of great musical assurance - few could be better matched than DiDonato.  

It’s a great chance to see one of the world’s finest singers in action - get your tickets!