As James already mentioned in his post, last night's concert was a big hit! The highlight of the program for me was listening to James' piano solo. I had goose bumps on my arms and the thuderous applause at the end confirmed that I was not the only one who felt that way!

I had the opportunity to sing one of my favorite arias: the Vilja song from Franz Lehar's "The Merry Widow." I mention this not only because it was a joy to sing it again, but also because I made a most unusual discovery about one of the cruise's passengers as a result of singing it.

One of the guests on the trip, named George, approached me shyly at the end of the night with a glimmer in his eyes. He told me that he wanted me to know how much it had meant to hear me sing "Vilja." It had brought back strong memories for him of his mother and her singing. It turns out that his mother was a celebrated Czech soprano by the name of Jarmila Novotna (1907-1994)! She sang regularly at the Metropolitan Opera from 1940-56 and was well-known for her portrayals of the greatest lyric soprano roles, including Violetta, Gilda, Adina, Madama Butterfly, and Manon Lescaut. She also sang regularly at the Vienna State Opera House. It was at this important house where she created the title role in Franz Lehar's last and most ambitious operetta called "Giuditta" in 1934. James also pointed out that the famous Lippen Schweigen duet traditionally inserted into productions of "The Merry Widow" was originally written for "Giuditta." As you may imagine, Lehar's music was extremely important to Novotna's career and to her family.

I have to say I was relieved to learn about all this AFTER the concert! (NO PRESSURE!) I was so touched to hear him speak about his mother and flattered when he told me that my singing had brought back vivid memories of her. What power music has to pull on our heart's strings!

We are all eagerly awaiting tomorrow's adventure in Croatia!
Ciao! Deborah