The Pueblo Chieftain
Published: Monday November 08, 2004
Brava, Gorra: A diva descends on Pueblo
Once in a great while I must write a review about a guest artist who really tugs at my heart strings.
Come, come, now - be still my heart, mi corazon.
Part of me is old school, you know - stiff upper lip, don't show your emotions and all that tommyrot. In spite of that so-called manly trait, upon hearing the the guest artist, Olivia Gorra, Saturday night at Hoag Hall on the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus, I was completely captivated. Somewhere between elation and tears was the place this wonderful artist put me. She has combined her great technical skills with a special way of singing from her heart.
What else? After I've been totally overcome by the performance of this fine artist, where else can I go?
I can give you a synopsis of each piece she sang - wondering how she hit that high note, and sustained it - then proceeded with excellent phrasing between pianissimos and double fortes. But the overall effect on this listener, and I daresay, quite a few others, is simply great excitement.
Ms. Gorra's performance was simply electric. But the shock was a surge of joy.
Conductor Jacob Chi and the Pueblo Symphony, performed admirably while accompanying this outstanding lyric soprano. Timing was often very crucial between the artist and the orchestra. Chi and the symphony added to the excitement of the evening.
First on the program was a strictly instrumental work by Ambroise Thomas, the overture to his opera, "Raymond."
Although this relatively obscure composition was interesting and well-played, it served to kindle anticipation for the appearance of Olivia Gorra.
This opera singer dazzled the audience immediately with her foray into several well known arias from operas by Rossini, Puccini, Verdi and Bizet.
The second half of the program was in notable contrast to the first. After a fine rendition of the overture to Verdi's opera, "Un Ballo in Maschera" by the symphony, Ms. Gorra continued to entertain in a grand opera vein with her fine performance of an aria from Gounod's "Romeo et Juliette."
Then the suprising contrast in style and songs followed with a series of Spanish and Mexican pieces close to the heart of Ms. Gorra. There were so many opportunities in these compositions to display her artistry and emotional fervor, notably in "Granada." Some singers know from study and experience that the best sort of singing requires a strenuous and sustained effort like that put forth by the best of Olympian athletes. Ms. Gorra has a powerful, full voice, easily heard, I supect, in a large opera house or concert hall. However, she also has the ability to support her soft tones, sotto voce.
I could dwell on the obvious technical achievements of this fine singer, but it's what she does after she has mastered them is what counts. Will she win hearts by the impression she creates with the audience?
If you had been there Saturday night, there would be no doubt in the hearts and minds of those present.
Those on their feet providing generous applause from a nearly full house, were not just being polite. This form of appreciation was heartfelt and extensive, and so well deserved.
For an encore, Ms. Gorra sang "Summertime" from Mexico, as she put it. Perhaps the best performance of that Gershwin tune that we have heard in a long time. The audience responded by giving her another ovation. Watch the career of Olivia Gorra, this exciting lyric soprano will go far. Remember that she was gracious in stopping to perform in Pueblo, Colorado.
It's interesting to note that she performed the great role of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata" under the direction of Lorin Maazel, current conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Also that she has performed with a leading tenor of our day, Placido Domingo, who currently directs two opera companies, one in Los Angeles and the other in Washington, D.C. We wish Ms. Gorra well while thanking her for her wonderful performance here with the Pueblo Symphony. I, for one, have great expectations in anticipating that many more opportunities will emerge for her to offer her outstanding vocal talents around the world.
Brava, Olivia. Brava.