From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
May 14, 2010
The Duelling Divas brought Humor to the High C’s during their recent Long Island concert, presented by the Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association.
Merrick, N.Y.,, USA. February 21, 2010. Duelling Divas, (L-R) sopranos BIRGIT FIORAVANTE and WENDY REYNOLDS, singing ‘Mira, O Norma’ from Bellini’s ‘Norma’ – in comic opera concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association. (© 2010 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
Sopranos Birgit Fioravante aka The Baroness and Wendy Reynolds aka La Bouvier, and pianist Heather Coltman aka Paige Turner are beautiful musicians and inspired comic actresses.
Merrick, N.Y., USA. February 21, 2010. Duelling Divas sopranos (L-R) BIRGIT FIORAVANTE and WENDY REYNOLDS sing from Bellini’s ‘Norma’ – in comic opera concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association at Calhoun High School. (© 2010 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
My mother and my brother John were opera singers, and I remember listening, from the time I was a very young child, to opera playing on the stereo with Mom singing along. Well, I enjoyed the grand opera and grand hi-jinx of the Duelling Divas in Merrick even more than many Metropolitan Opera productions I’ve caught in Manhattan.
What great fun it was seeing southern belle La Bouvier parry The Baroness, who went from regal to fierce to deflated as she emptied her jeweled flask, while Paige Turner valiantly, vainly refereed the Duelling Divas during their überspirited jealous rages.
Merrick, N.Y., USA. February 21, 2010. In Duelling Divas concert, sopranos (L-R) BIRGIT FIORAVANTE and WENDY REYNOLDS thrust and parry in Mad scene from Donizetti’s ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ in comic opera concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Assoc. (© 2010 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
The Duelling Divas have super loyal fans from throughout the country, and quite a few traveled from Manhattan and beyond to attend the concert and then chat with the Divas afterward. For audience members seeing the Duelling Divas for the first time, many said how surprised they were that the three classical musicians were so funny. Others said how they were surprised the hilarious comic actresses were such accomplished opera singers. Brava, Divas!
Merrick, N.Y., USA. February 21, 2: Duelling Divas concert – starring opera sopranos BIRGIT FIORAVANTE & WENDY REYNOLDS & pianist HEATHER COLTMAN – in comic opera concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Assoc. (© 2010 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com,
Jump at the chance to see the Duelling Divas when they charge into your area.
- NOTE: This post is an expanded version of one from my former blog.
Duelling Divas 2010: my PHOTO GALLERY