By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:46:13 +0000

After Wozzeck another, not quite so helpless victim. In the first act Simon’s malicious, fawning Rigoletto was horrifying to watch – the courtiers’ hate was fully understandable. Vocally he was at his heartbreaking best in the duets with lovely Olga Peretyatko and his short-lived triumph and final ‘maledizione!’ in the last scene were simultaneously blood-chilling and tragic.
So convincing was he that one wondered whether the real Simon would emerge for the curtain calls, of which there were many, loudly applauded by the sell-out house. Inci is correct about the orchestra and Simon greeted conductor Jesús López-Cobos very warmly.
These two very memorable experiences were made even more special by being able to share them with Inci – let’s hope we can soon meet again.

By: Inci Birsel

Inci Birsel — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:36:55 +0000

I wonder how a singer can sing Wozzeck and Rigoletto one after another. And with such dedication to his art and with such success. Simon is one of those rare seen and heard singers. Each time I observe SK on stage,I am amazed at his total involvement in the character he portrays. His analysis of the character is always unmatched ,his technic is always perfect and the end result is always a rarity Both his Wozzeck and Rigoletto brought me to tears but in two very different ways. SK ‘s success also lies in his ability to draw the audience into the event at that point in time and to be caught and involved in the turmoil of events taking place on stage. What is happening on stage becomes the reality and the intense emotions produced are unsurpassed. Then with SK’s singing any opera becomes an unforgettable experience.
I must also mention that the Conductor,Jesús López- Cobos, is singer friendly. Under his direction the orchestra produced a very balanced sound,allowing the singers to shine.Often in Vienna the orchestra overshadows the singing on stage and this is an intensely unpleasant experience.
The Rigoletto evening was also a rarity because it brought together mutual SK admirers – Sue, her husband and myself. After a long chat at the opera café we continued our conversations over a glass of wine at the intermission. I am hoping to meet more friends of the SK Info team in Vienna in the coming year. SK will be doing a solo concert as well as singing at the Vienna Opera next year.
Until the new season in Vienna. Inci Birsel

Comments on: 2013, Vienna, Rigoletto

By: Sue

By: Inci Birsel