Vanguard

Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: Fine Arts

This past Sunday, the Mobile Opera presented "An Afternoon of Stars," a free performance by the cast of the upcoming "La Traviata." Hosted by artistic director and creator of the yearly event, Jerome Shannon, "An Afternoon of Stars" made for a packed audience of all ages at the Ben May Library. Viewers were introduced through song to "La Traviata's" cast members who, free from costume and makeup, performed 10 stories from the Mobile Opera, Broadway and other selections.
Tenor Chad A. Johnson, making his Mobile Opera debut as Alfredo Germont in "La Traviata," may be young, but is by no means inexperienced. Formally appearing with Florida Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera and Minnesota Opera, Johnson performed "Your Are My Heart's Delight (Dein ist mein ganze Herz)," an excerpt from the Opera "Land of Smiles" by Franz Lehar. Johnson's powerful voice quickly swayed my questionable opinion of the young yet handsome performer. I became mesmerized by his song and have undoubtedly found a new interest in the world of opera. The audience itself seemed to be struck with curiosity at the young man's vocal strength. Following the show, comments were uttered as to how such a small, young man could exert such a beautiful and evocative voice.
Senior USA voice major Andre Chiang was a personal favorite. Though Chiang was not as animated as his fellow cast, his soothing voice required no gestural expression. Chiang, who previously won first place in the 11th Annual LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, will perform as Doctor Grenville in "La Traviata." Chiang's choice of song for the "Afternoon of Stars" performance was a Puccini piece "Questo Amor" from the Italian opera "Edgar." Chiang conveyed through voice the exact emotion of "Questo Amor." He made it so I was fully able to understand the message of an Italian song I could not translate to my native language. Chiang has previously appeared with Mobile Opera, University of Alabama Opera and LaGrange Symphony.
Mobile's Joyce Sylvester, who plays Annina in "La Traviata," gave a dramatic performance of Ahrens and Flaherty's "Your Daddy's Son" from "Ragtime." Sylvester has appeared with Mobile Opera and Wheeling Symphony and others. She will also serve as a soloist in the performance of "Messiah" on Dec. 10. Sylvester's rendition of "Your Daddy's Son" delivered emotion and power through her strong voice and range of notes. Her movement and gestures proved to be what Mobile Opera dubs as "more than music."

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