Product Description

A Magical Match Made in Moscow.
In June 2008, Dmitri Hvorostovsky invited Sondra Radvanovsky to be his guest star in the prestigious Moscow concert series 'Hvorostovsky and Friends,' with conductor Constantine Orbelian and the Philharmonia of Russia. This glamorous occasion, captured on film for Russian television, marked these artists' first-ever musical collaboration - and proved to be a historic event that documented for posterity one of those all-too-rare instances of magical artistic alchemy between two great opera stars. Their electrifying performance was an instant sensation, and a potent preview of the two stars' effusively acclaimed later appearances together in Il Trovatore at Covent Garden, The Met and The San Francisco Opera.
Delos recorded the live concert, to be released later as the critically-acclaimed CD, 'Verdi Opera Scenes'. The Russian TV show, featuring their national baritone hero and his dazzling guest, was broadcast throughout the Russian Federation. Upon obtaining that film footage, Delos collaborated with California film editor Steve Scoville, who expertly synched the footage with Delos's concert audio. The result, available for the first time on this DVD, takes the viewer/listener to Moscow's Great Hall for the concert's most unforgettable moments, with stunning 'you are there' sonic and visual impact. Bonus feature interview with Maestro Orbelian.

Review

Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky's commanding presence and colorful voice make the newly released video, Hvorostovsky in Moscow, a 'must see' for all opera lovers. Along with the Philharmonia of Russia, conducted by Constantine Orbelian, Hvorostovsky is joined by soprano Sondra Radvanovsky for two selections ... Overall, this DVD provides a fun hour of entertainment. I would especially recommend it if you enjoyed Dmitri Hvorostovsky's performance on February 25th in the Metropolitan Opera's Live Broadcast of Ernani. For further listening, you can also consider purchasing Delos Records 'Verdi Opera Scenes.' The CD includes arias and scenes performed by Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Sondra Radvanovsky accompanied by the Philharmonia of Russia under the direction of Constantine Orbelian. --Opera Pulse, March 2012