In the packed church of Saanen, audiences of the Gstaad New Year Music Festival were treated to a phenomenal concert just three days before the end of the year. World star Plácido Domingo appeared alongside coloratura soprano Christina Poulitsi and pianist James Vaughan. The trio had come to Gstaad to honour the festival’s founder and artistic director, Princess Caroline Murat, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

Domingo and Princess Caroline Murat have known each other for many years. It is said that he supported and encouraged the renowned concert pianist, also known by her stage name Caroline Haffner, throughout her career. In return, the Princess reportedly supported Domingo, among other things, in the founding of his singing competition, Operalia. Beyond their friendship, the two remain closely connected through professional collaboration, particularly in promoting young talent. That the concert in Saanen was not merely a tribute to the festival anniversary, but a genuine labour of love for the world star, was palpable from the first moment to the last.

Not a bit tired
Passing judgment on the artistic performance of a living opera legend such as Plácido Domingo would be both bold and presumptuous. Still, there was natural curiosity about how the almost 85-year-old would handle the evening’s programme. Even the greatest might be forgiven for taking things a little more quietly. Not so Plácido Domingo. Clearly energised by the lively atmosphere in the overflowing church, he took to the stage with enthusiasm and immediately captivated the audience. He visibly enjoyed the closeness to the listeners in the small church, something Domingo is known to value, and that is very much in the spirit of the festival itself.

Passion & Presence
With passion, his famously powerful stage presence, unabashed enthusiasm and the authority of decades of experience, Domingo performed arias such as “Perfidi! Pietà, rispetto, amore” from Romeo and Juliet, Franz Lehár’s “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz”, and the celebrated aria “Mi aldea” from the zarzuela Los Gavilanes by Jacinto Guerrero. Even after several encores, one complete with a touch of dance, there was little sign that the megastar wished to bring the evening to a close. Domingo himself seems least concerned with his age, clearly determined to continue doing what he loves most: singing. Quite simply, magnificent.

Music among friends
At his side were not merely fellow musicians, but people with whom he shares a genuine bond. Greek coloratura soprano Christina Poulitsi, now celebrated on the international opera stage, first met Domingo in 2014 as a finalist in his competition Operalia. Since then, they have appeared together frequently in concert. Poulitsi more than held her own alongside her illustrious colleague. With her agile, flexible voice, she mastered the lightning-fast runs, leaps and embellishments of her arias with ease and brilliance: a visual and musical delight for opera lovers. In Vincenzo Bellini’s “Qui la voce… vien diletto”, Charles Gounod’s “Ah! Je veux vivre”, and the Spanish zarzuela “Me llaman la primorosa”from El barbero de Sevilla by Gerónimo Giménez, she demonstrated not only emotional expressiveness but also an impressive vocal range, delivered with bell-like clarity.

Accomplished accompaniment

Completing the trio was pianist James Vaughan, who has accompanied Domingo for many years, particularly in more intimate concert settings. Such performances create what Domingo has described as a “workshop atmosphere.” An internationally established pianist and vocal coach, Vaughan serves as accompanist and répétiteur for Domingo at these concerts. His playing throughout the evening was assured and sensitive, and in his solo performance of the Intermezzo by Giacomo Puccini, he convincingly demonstrated his own considerable artistry.

Based on AvS | Tina Dosot