Polish soprano Aleksandra Kurzak and French-Italian tenor Roberto Alagna gave a recital on January 9, 2017 in the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris. The duo, who are not only acclaimed international soloists but also married to each other, brought their dynamic presence to the stage, performing some of the most beautiful French and Italian opera arias and duets about love with the Orchestre de Picardie and Giorgio Croci, conductor.
Michel Slama wote a review of the recital for anaclase.com, saying: “A musical feast at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Kurzak seduces an ecstatic audience by her charm and her bewitching tone of voice, musicality… Beauty of the soaring voices, ovations perfectly deserved” (translated from the original French on facebook.com)
A few seasons ago, the pair made their debut together in Donizetti’s shining The Elixir of Love at Covent Garden in London. Kurczak’s career has skyrocketed with her successes at Covent Garden and the Met in New York. While Alagna has for many years enjoyed great popularity with French audiences, his Polish partner won their hearts after causing a sensation in the moving title role in Maria Stuarda at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, and again at her Paris Opera House debut as Adina in The Elixir of Love opposite Alagna.
[Sources: culture.pl, bachtrack.com, facebook.com, anaclase.com]