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Stephanie DeCiantis, Soprano
Ivan Jovanovic, piano

"Ritorna vincitor" is a famous aria from Verdi's opera "Aida." In this emotionally charged aria, Aida, the Ethiopian slave and princess, expresses her conflicted feelings as she prays for her lover Radamès's victorious return from battle, torn between her loyalty to her homeland and her love for him.

The famous "Ride of the Valkyries" scene from Wagner's opera "Die Walküre" features a powerful and exhilarating musical portrayal of the Valkyries, warrior maidens riding through the skies to gather fallen heroes from the battlefield. 

In Opera Sustenida's version, our Valkyries are right out of Gotham City in this Batman-inspired video.

The aria "Traft ihr das Schiff" (Senta's Ballad) from Wagner's opera "Die Fliegende Holländer" finds Senta passionately narrating the legend of the cursed Dutchman and his ghostly ship to a captivated crowd, revealing her deep fascination and yearning for a redemptive love beyond the mortal realm. Senta's emotive rendition and the vivid storytelling convey her unwavering commitment to breaking the curse and saving the Dutchman through her devotion.

In this version from Opera Sustenida, our chorus are haunted portraits for this very spooky version. 

Stephanie DeCiantis, Soprano
Ivan Jovanovic, piano

Sung by the character Leonora in Act I, it is a moment of introspection and longing. Leonora recalls a serene night when she first encountered the love of her life, Manrico. The aria beautifully captures her reminiscence of that peaceful night, contrasting with her current turmoil and uncertainty. Through lush melodies and emotive phrases, Verdi masterfully conveys Leonora's deep affection and yearning for Manrico amidst the tumultuous events unfolding around them. This aria serves as a poignant glimpse into Leonora's heart, setting the stage for the passion and tragedy that define the opera.

Stephanie DeCiantis, Soprano
Ivan Jovanovic, piano

In this poignant moment, Elsa of Brabant expresses her loneliness and sorrow as she awaits her champion, Lohengrin. The lyrics reflect Elsa's inner turmoil and longing for companionship amidst the darkness of uncertainty. Wagner's music intensifies the emotional depth of the scene, capturing Elsa's vulnerability and yearning through sweeping melodies and lush orchestration. The aria serves as a pivotal moment in the opera, showcasing Elsa's emotional journey and setting the stage for the arrival of Lohengrin, the mysterious knight who will bring both hope and challenges to her life.

Stephanie DeCiantis, Soprano
Opera Sustenida

As she listens to Manrico's impassioned plea for mercy, knowing that he faces imminent execution, she experiences a tumult of emotions. The word "Miserere," meaning "have mercy," echoes in her heart as she grapples with the anguish of witnessing her beloved in such dire straits. For Leonora, the aria represents a moment of profound helplessness and sorrow, as she longs to alleviate Manrico's suffering but is powerless to change his fate. Verdi's music intensifies the emotional impact of the scene, capturing Leonora's inner turmoil and the depth of her love for Manrico. This aria serves as a poignant reminder of the opera's themes of love, sacrifice, and the inexorable force of destiny.