Dear miss Anderson...

Dear miss Anderson, a greek soldier pleads you for an unforgettable performance on the 1st of July in Athens. You'll spread only joy and happiness among the greek troops and your name will be written in the history-book next to those of Marilyn Monroe, Mariah Carey and other ladies who from time to time have offered their services for the amusement of the troops.
thank you in advance

Parsifalito

PS. As you can imagine, i can't wait for the Gala on July the 1st when June Anderson, Beatrice Uria-Monzon and Dimitri Kavrakos will join their art and talents at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in order to sing in the memory of La Divina.

Copying from the official HellenicFestival website:

"Thematic Series: A Tribute to Maria Callas

Description

Georges Bizet, Carmen

Jules Massenet, Werther

Giuseppe Verdi, Don Carlos

Camille Saint-Saëns, Samson and Delilah

Vincenzo Bellini, Excerpts from Norma

Vincenzo Bellini, Sonnambula

Giuseppe Verdi, Τraviata

Conducted by Jean Yves Ossonce

Soloists: June Anderson, soprano

Béatrice Uria-Monzon, mezzo-soprano

Dimitris Kavrakos, bass

The signature role of Callas’ career was Norma, which she performed on stage 89 times between 1948 and 1965, one of which being her appearance at the Epidaurus Ancient Theatre in 1960. Requiring the vocal ranges of both a coloratura and a dramatic soprano, the role, which was written 176 years ago, remains today a rite of passage for up-and-coming performers. When listening to the extant recordings of “La Divina” in the role, it is easy to understand why her performances moved, and were admired by, so many, establishing her as the 20^th century Norma par excellence. To mark the thirtieth anniversary of Callas’ death, the Athens Festival is calling upon two of the most significant opera singers of our times, the American soprano June Anderson and the French mezzo-soprano Béatrice Uria-Monzon, who have both distinguished themselves for their vocal and acting abilities alike, to perform excerpts from this exceptionally demanding role. Performing with them will be the renowned Greek bass Dimitris Kavrakos."

And to honour June Anderson, here is the second cd of the Lucia Di Lammermoor she sang in Athens in 2002. (Don't ask for the first cd, my MiniDisc went crazy and erased it, yes, i know, what a pitty, i was just a step before shooting myself when this occurred...).

Lucia: June Anderson
Edgardo: Ramon Vargas
Enrico: Roberto Frontali
Arturo: Saverio Fiore
Raimondo: Christoforos Stamboglis

Athens State Orchestra, cond. Angelo Cavallaro
Athens Megaron, 25 feb. 2002

Download HERE