the cast assembled to perform this Rondine also calls for nothing but praise, starting
with Gabrielle Philiponet, whose Magda sung in Nancy in 2012 under the direction of José
Cura is still remembered by some Lorrainers. Finding her in the same role ten years later
definitively confirms the affinities that this beautiful artist has with the Puccini swallow. The soprano from Albi has Magda de Civry’s heady timbre, fleshy medium, diamond-like high notes and intelligence of character. Indeed, her character never falls into caricature:
flirtatious without mincing, in love without being sentimental, this Magda is ideally suited
to Gabrielle Philiponet’s vocalità, as confirmed by the aria “Chi il bel sogno di Doretta” delivered with the aplomb of a confirmed artist.