This month, Maria Guleghina returns to Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre as Eboli in Verdi’s epic Don Carlo. Performances take place March 23, 24 & 25, and also feature Andrea Caré in the title role, Dmitry Beloselsky as Philip II, Elchin Azizov as Rodrigo, and Veronika Dzhioeva as Elisabetta. Maestro Giacomo Sagripanti leads the Bolshoi Orchestra for these dates, which are now completely sold-out.
Ms. Guleghina’s past performances as Eboli at the Bolshoi were heralded by audiences and critics alike:
“. . . this voice, with a timbre as if embraced in soft satin and hot chocolate, with the first note that captures you, and does not release you, it haunts you with passionate and painful sufferings. As if the whole melodrama is refined and complete in the voice of Maria Guleghina. And this voice is absolutely wonderful . . . absolutely expressive.
Which ease, and elegant lightness sounds in the trills “Nel giardin del bello. Which pain, and poignant remorse in the iconic aria “O Don Fatale.” Delightful modulations merge and untwine, and the feeling arrises there is no end to suffering . . .When all of a sudden a complete transformation occurs of the physical beauty of Princess Eboli into her spiritual beauty.
Like a sparkling wine of passion is the vocalism of Guleghina. In an unconstraint gesture – treachery and love. With the part of Eboli, Maria Guleghina brought to the Bolshoi something greater. Charismatic personality, absolutely tremendous reality of life on stage, the all destroying legend of her amazing career.” (Zavatra)
Image: Damir Yusupov for the Bolshoi Theatre