Mezzo-Soprano and RWCMD graduate Justina Gringytė ‘kicks up a storm’ (The Telegraph) in Welsh National Opera’s new production of La Forza del Destino. Rave reviews have described how Justina ‘dominates the action’ reigning over the production as the personification of fate, with her ‘granite-toned mezzo …in thrilling condition’ (bachtrack).
This critically acclaimed version of Verdi’s challenging opera is conducted by RWCMD International Chair in Conducting, Maestro Carlo Rizzi, whose ‘immaculate conducting’ (Guardian) ensures that WNO’s La Forza joins the portfolio of the company’s outstanding productions.
“For Forza it is necessary to have a very strong cast all round as every role is demanding,” explains WNO Conductor Laureate Carlo Rizzi. “It was wonderful to have Justina as Preziosilla. She brought to life the role with her rich mezzo voice and her stage presence. I was very pleased to know that she studied at RWCMD and it is great that she has come back to Cardiff as a successful professional.”
After graduating from the Royal Welsh College, Justina joined the National Opera Studio, then the Royal Opera House’s Jette Parker Young Artists Programme for the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. She was awarded the Best Young Singer at the International Opera Awards in 2015.
After the last rehearsals @WNOtweet still mulling over which is my preferred musical moment of #LaForzadelDestino . 1) This theme in the sinfonia 2) La vergine degli Angeli 3) This phrase in the act 4 Don Alvaro – Don Carlo duet. Any preference? pic.twitter.com/JxidjpQY5M
— Carlo Rizzi (@CarloRizziMusic) January 29, 2018
La Forza del Destino is directed by WNO’s Artistic Director David Pountney, who, along with Carlo Rizzi, is one of the Circle of Presidents of the College’s David Seligman Opera School.
Justina returns to the Royal Welsh College on Friday 9 March for a special concert to mark 100 years of independence for her home country, Lithuania.
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