“A star is born . . .” at San Francisco Opera

Melody Moore made her debut singing the title role in San Francisco Opera’s Tosca, replacing Angela Gheorghiu (who had fallen ill) after intermission. Ms. Moore left an incredible impression on audiences and critics alike:

“Moore embarked on every understudy’s dream, or nightmare, with ease and assurance. Her great aria, “Vissi d’arte” (I lived for art), came soon enough, and long, thunderous applause reflected appreciation and relief.”

Janos Gereben – San Francisco Examiner

“Moore’s “Vissi d’arte” . . . was as beautifully vocalized as it was touching

. . . it was greeted by a huge ovation of appreciation and support from music lovers who have come to love one of our many hometown Merola and Adler Fellows made good. Moore, whose performance as Susan Rescorla was the highlight of the SFO premiere of Heart of a Soldier, has always excelled in expressing hurt, tenderness, and vulnerability. Given the opportunity, as in her big aria and the passages that followed, she presented a side of Tosca too rarely seen.”

Jason Victor Serinus – San Francisco Classical Voice

“The American soprano arrived on the scene with fierce conviction and resolute vocals, not only delivering a powerhouse performance, but bringing a dramatic depth to the role that will no doubt have her considered should SF Opera revive Tosca again in a few years. Even my theater companion, distraught at the absence of Ms. Gheorghiu, had to admit that Ms. Moore not only saved the day, but was convincing and forceful with a full and ringing tone . . . We were simply floored by the cover’s performance, and the opening audience rightfully tossed prolonged cheers to the stage.”

Tony Frankel – Stage and Cinema

“ . . . her “Vissi d’arte,” the big set-piece midway through the second act, earned a chorus of bravas! from a grateful audience.”

Suzanne Weiss – CultureVulture

“But once she took the stage, Moore wasted no time in making the role her own . . . Tosca is an ideal role for her, drawing on her ability to launch potent, full-bodied high notes without screaming while still bringing power and clarity to more intimate passages.”

Joshua Kosman – SFGate

“Moore was able to step into Gheorghiu’s shoes (metaphorically) admirably, winning the hearts of the audience with a nicely sung Vissi d’Arte and acting with such seeming confidence that one could have imagined this to be her hundredth Tosca, rather than her first.”

Opera Warhorses

Performance – November 15, 2012