In the grand tradition of a star is born and the show must go on young American soprano Rachele Gilmore made an unscheduled debut at New York’s Metropolitan Opera tonight as Olympia in Offenbach’s Les Contes Hoffman. She was given only three hour’s notice that Kathleen Kim was ill and that she was up. She was so up that she hit several high Gs and an A-flat above high C. There was considerable discussion as to whether that was the highest note ever sung at the Met. Regardless, it was a remarkable performance.There were runs and trills all taken miles above the staff. She was in Mado Robin territory. She even managed to keep her tone from going shrill. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything quite like it – an exceptional talent. Here is her big aria; listen for yourself. Tales of Hoffmann – Doll Song
Obviously, a debut like this one doesn’t happen very often. It certainly is going to fill her engagement book for quite a while. It will be fun to see what happens to this young singer. The future is hers to grab. Roberta Peters made a great career at the Met after a similar start.
According to her web site, she “received her Bachelor’s of Music from Indiana University and continued with Graduate studies at Boston University. She was a member of the Young Artist Programs of Glimmerglass Opera (for two seasons), Florida Grand Opera, and Aspen Music Festival’s Opera Center.”
If you want to hear what the lower half of Ms Gilmore’s voice sounds like listen to this. Gilmore – Orff
Here’s a video of the Met performance. The sound is not as good as the clip above.
Soooooooooo much better than Kim. Why on earth wasn’t she the first choice?? With more adequate notice she would probably have that more floating quality like Dessay and Robin.
My first operatic loves were the effortless coloraturas. The first was Graziella Rivera singing Caro Nome………heaven. Then Rita Streich, Pons, Sutherland, and Moffo. Didn’t like the steam whistle coloraturas.
Operafilly
I saw her last night (the second time she replaced Kim) and was amazed at the thunderous applause she received after her solo and then at the performance’s bows. Her ability to reach those high notes and hold them was truly amazing, but in a way, reminded me of Yma Sumac rather than the greats of opera. Or even to compare Netrebko that night with the greater amount of singing she did with Rachaele’s single feat, I would have to say that Netrebko should have gotten the louder applause. Still, everyone seemed to sense that the night belonged to Rachele, as a pinch-hitter who hit her one pitch out of the park again, and I hope that she will soon get a greater chance to strut her stuff and that she will last a long time. BTW, the staging was wild for the Met, my companion couldn’t believe the pasties and Berlin between the wars (or Prague or Venice) cavorting on the floor. Finally, Europe comes to NY, and Guiliani, who was a few rows down, no longer has the power to stop progress in the arts. Go Rachele!
Absolutely amazing! Appeared with such ease and yet~ with the excitement of living on the edge..and, the self assurance to take it there. A voice with such brilliance, that it is almost spell binding. How exciting is this ~ Over the top !!!
Jane Guitar
Abilene Opera
Thank you for posting the audio and video! Rachele was my roommate in college and this is so amazing to see her triumph in such a huge way.
We had a great household at IU. Our other roommate was Kate Lindsey, another 28 year old who has sung many roles through her time in the Lindeman program and now as a professional. Yay for my girls!!!!!!!!!!
Angie Keeton
What a treat to hear that sweet, quiet Rachele that we Met at IU (Angie’s mom). Sounds like you had the audience eating out of the palm of your hand! May you have many more opportunities at The MET. Hope Angie & I will be there to see you one day. BRAVO!!!
Rosie Shadwick
Great performance better than kathllen kim. Hope to see you in a bigger role.
Good luck.
Knoxville Opera is indeed proud and privileged to be presenting Rachele Gilmore in her first Lucia di Lammermoor on February 12 and 14, 2010 at the magnificent Tennessee Theatre. For tickets, please call 865-524-0795.
Brian Salesky
Executive Director and Conductor
Knoxville Opera
Not really Mado Robin territory. Listen to Katarzyna Dondalska! Up to C above high C
http://www.dondalska.de
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I was working on my opera data base this afternoon (I had fallen way behind) and realized when I looked at my program for Tales on 12/23/2009 that my son and I were at this performance! I still had the insert piece announcing that there were 3 covers singing that night. We didn’t much care for the cover for Giuletta though. How exciting to have been in the house at such a memorable debut! We thought the entire show was fabulous and it was great to read this post and bring back those memories
“Listen to Katarzyna Dondalska! Up to C above high C”
Impressive musician and exciting singer, but vocal quality above high C not the beautiful, effortless tone of Robin or Dessay. And she does the bouncing coloratura. I heard Moffo in concert with a gorgeous, interpolated high G above high C. And smooth as silk coloratura.. And non of the strident edginess as on some of her recordings. So, I realize especially the soprano voice thru microphone can be warped or missing a lotl