It's Day One in the Cardiff Singer of the World House and the five singers are lined up to belt a few arias.
Both gentlemen were dressed conservatively. Both of them were easy on the eye without being ddg.
None of the Ladies were frumpy or overweight; all three wore nice gowns, Eri Nakimura's was especially lovely.
All of them have proved they are good enough to be in this competition. All of them have studied, trained and practised hard for years to get to this standard.
The following comments are only impressionistic comments based on two or three arias shown on the TV.
My least favourite was Dana Bramane. I thought her voice too heavy for the light pieces she chose; but she's too young for the heavier roles that suit her voice. I thought she squawked too much - Mary King put it more kindly, but basically meant the same thing.
I couldn't decide between the two men. Etienne Dupius was charming, but charming isn't enough. I thought Fernando Javier Radó was too young, especially for the Don Carlo aria. Hearing someone experienced (in life) singing it makes me shudder and shiver, and it's an aria that deserves acclaim from the audience. I don't think Cardiff judges look for potential, but assess them on where they are now, wherever that is. I liked him, but he lacks the Shenyang factor. I thought he would do better in the Song Prize, but in fact he hasn't entered.
I really liked Emiliya Ivanova. Obviously, TV is no guide to how the voice can penetrate the orchestra, but I loved her fearless risk-taking. I loved her voice, her musicality, her performing instinct. I do think she has studied Anna Netrebko very closely; she needs to move on from that. But I would love to hear more of her.
Eri Nakamura was in a different league from the others. Even her post-performance interview, where she praised the orchestra and audience, was probably a result of her media training at ROH. It was clear that she was going to win the programme. Polished, professional, focused. I enjoy her on stage, and I enjoyed her performance, but I don't think she will win.
