Joyce DiDonato is one of the best mezzo-soprano’s around today. (Or lyric-coloratura mezzo-soprano, if I only knew what that means??). I am one of those guys that like Opera when I am introduced to a song through friends or a scene in a film (La Mamma Morta from Philidelphia for example). But if I was to put on an Operatic radio station for example then I am afraid I would probably get lost quite quickly. I would love to have my eyes opened to more of course. Not just be on the band wagon of hits due to some box office film - (so please feel free to send me some Operatic gems).
Now - back to the gracious Joyce DiDonato. This shoot was done at the Royal Opera as she had a couple of performances there. Having read about Joyce and her rise to the top, it is clear that she has fought her way up there and deserves all the recognition she gets. She’s changed her singing style half way through her career, (which I assume is almost like an author changing language). She also slipped on stage during a performance in 2009 and broke her right fibula, but continued hopping during the first act and on crutches during the second act. The remaining five performances she performed from a wheelchair. Opera is to me all about the grandiose performance and I felt there was an element of performance when I photographed Joyce. But there was no feeling of her being an operatic diva. In fact, she was genuine, humble and gracious.
Shot for Observer New Review
