I like re-watching this historical video document of this electrifying event every so often because it reminds me of what an astounding gift he is to opera, the performing arts at large, to philanthropy, to mentoring new talent and to humanity. Mil gracias por compartir. Paz y salud.
Margaret Price gave the performance of her life that night, too....I was in the chorus. A friend of mine did a sketch of Domingo and I had him sign it during intermission. : )
My Mom and Dad and I were there that evening. What a night it was!!! The funny thing is that by the time the show began it was after ten pm, if I recall correctly, and a lot of people were drunk as all get-out after having done a bit too much celebrating downstairs in the bar, LOL. I'm so glad I experienced that wonderful event. Such great memories.
That was fun to watch!! I remember watching Placido with Sherrill Milnes and Renata Scotto in Otello on PBS's "Live From the Met", back around that same time. What a fabulous voice. And he still rocks!!
Domingo has got so many haters here on YT but this event shows HOW and WHY he became what he is, the real world of opera is not a few cracked notes on YT but performing night after night and giving his everything
I was there. I rented a tux. I was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey. The War Memorial Opera House has lousy ventilation. It was really, really hot up there in top balcony. I'm surprised that they didn't mention Gordon Getty who the one who supplied the Lear Jet. Frankly when I had heard him as Otello in 1978 he was in fresher voice. All that flying around isn't good for the throat.
Wow. I read a news report from that era and it, apparently erroneously, said he got into makeup and costume on the private plane. Link: www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1996/11/03/the-tenor-of-the-times/95655755-6c23-4da5-87c0-236b5295bcfc/ Clearly not. Yet another piece of history I've come across that attests to this artist's status as a living legend. Someone who can generate that kind of buzz and excitement in an entire city and its press is rare. I can't think of anyone around now, among any opera artists, who can do the same - can you? Maybe a sports star, maybe... maybe a pop star, maybe... but I haven't heard of any of them being asked to rescue an event and them agreeing to do so at the last minute. The Golden Age of Opera was so very grand while it lasted. Thank you, all you great opera giants of that era.
