CHICAGO—Although Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s (1858–1924) operas are some of the most popular and most produced in opera houses worldwide, some of his arias can be difficult to sing. That’s because with fast changes in tempo and mood that require not just superb vocalization but great dramatic skill. Such is the case for a soprano singing the emotional role of Butterfly from “Madame Butterfly,” as well as other roles, which require a lyrical voice that’s also powerful and dramatic.
Fortunately for opera buffs, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky delivers on those requirements in her triumphant one-woman concert. It’s not enough for her to deliver a poignant, moving performance of Butterfly in concert at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She goes even further when she embodies Puccini’s great heroines and she sings 12 of their arias.
