Sonya Yoncheva sings Christmas at the Royal Chapel of the Palace of Versailles, with the Orchestra and Choir of the Royal Opera under the direction of Stefan Plewniak: a concert full of emotion.
This concert invites you on a musical journey in which the richness of sacred traditions rubs shoulders with the universality of popular songs. From the baroque exaltation of Messiah from Handel to the romantic emotion of Gounod and Mascagni, passing through the contemporary sweetness of White Christmasthe program deploys a festive range for dazzled young and old children. This musical exploration also opens up to the universality of the celebrations, notably through a nativity song from Honduras, offering a cosmopolitan perspective to this evening.
Sonya Yoncheva deploys her ample voice, skillfully mastering the different registers of her range, offering rounded and full bass, while showing greater flexibility in the heights of her range.
Her rich tone resonates with ease in the Chapel Royal, and she takes care to turn towards each part of the audience, allowing all spectators to enjoy her performance. Dressed in a white dress adorned with a thousand pearl necklace for the first part of the evening, she then puts on a second spectacular outfit: a dress decorated with gold sequined wings. Although this outfit limits her freedom of movement, she manages to embody the music with expressive gestures and intense emotions, going so far as to let a tear flow.
The mastery of languages is impeccable, the diction impeccable, making each syllable perfectly understandable, even in the powerful vibrato.
Like a Christmas present, a special moment is shared on stage between Sonya Yoncheva and the young soprano Isaure Brunner (daughter of Laurent Brunner, Director of Château de Versailles Spectacles), in the “Pie Jesus” of Requiem by Webber. If her delicate tone is sometimes absorbed by the vocal power of her partner, she nevertheless illuminates her solo passages with a very placed voice, imbued with angelic purity and enhanced by seraphic sonorities. The two sopranos, accomplices, weave a harmony of inter-generational kindness.
As usual, Stefan Plewniak's direction delivers an interpretation of boundless energy and immediately captivating grandeur. From the first bars, his dynamic approach breathes life into the whole, marking the beginnings with a precision which seems to guide the breathing of the musicians as much as the musical score. His investment is evident both in his role as conductor and in his talent as a violinist, exchanging intentions and smiles with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera of Versailles, in mutual listening and the palpable pleasure of playing together. Between each piece, the conductor does not fail to salute the talent of his musicians with applause.
The Orchestra on ancient instruments is distinguished by its commitment, its texture, its warm dynamics, and a harmonious complicity between the music stands with a constant concern for balance. They know how to move from delicacy to power, adjusting their technique through the centuries of the repertoire offered.
The Choir of the Royal Opera of Versailles shines with its precision, clarity and balance. Their musical interpretation is distinguished by the consistency of crisp articulation and careful attention to dynamic nuances, bringing to life the emotional contrasts of the works.
The evening ends in a warm and festive atmosphere, marked by two memorable reminders. First, a poignant “Hail Mary” followed by a very friendly surprise: “Little Santa Claus”, echoed in chorus by the audience. The concert ends with a standing ovation enthusiastic, enveloping the Royal Chapel in the Christmas spirit and letting everyone leave with a touch of magic for New Year's Eve.
This concert is broadcast on Culturebox (Canal 14 of TNT) and france.tv Wednesday December 25, 2024 at 9 p.m.
