Sarah Brightman at Abravanel Hall

I love Sarah Brightman (she originated the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera) and I have had the chance to see her twice at the Delta Center.  When I found out that she would be appearing at Abravanel Hall I couldn't wait to see her in a more intimate setting with better acoustics.  I went to the concert last night with my Dad and my sister Kristine and it was every bit as theatrical as the big arena shows but the sound was absolutely amazing!  She had a band, an orchestra, and a choir backing her with lots of lights and other visual effects.  She had nine different costume changes (the sponsor of her tour is Swarovski so you can imagine what her costumes looked like) and every move, look, and gesture was intricately choreographed!  I loved every minute of this concert and I am pretty sure that it will be one of the highlights of this year!  Favorites from the first act include "Stranger in Paradise," "Anytime, Anywhere," which is my favorite Sarah Brightman song, "Misere Mei," and "Figlio Perduto" from Beethoven's 7th Symphony (which was almost unbearably beautiful).  She sang an ethereal rendition of Queen's "Who Wants To Live Forever" which brought a tear to my eye.  I've heard her sing it live before but it was especially poignant for me after watching Bohemian Rhapsody so many times.  She wore a flowing white gown which made her look like an angel and at the end of the song she was enveloped by a cloud of fog.  It was quite emotional. After the intermission she sang several songs from her latest album Hymn, including the title track, "Sogni," my favorite song from the album, with Vincent Niclo, "Better Is One Day," "Fly to Paradise," "Canto Per Noi," and "Tu Che M' Hai Preso Il Cuor."  She also sang "Pie Jesu" from Requiem, which is a piece I love because I sang it in choir when I was in college, and a simplified more intimate version of "Time To Say Goodbye" with her on piano.  The choir sang "Masquerade" from The Phantom of the Opera and then she and Niclo performed "The Phantom of the Opera" which brought the audience to their feet (not for the first or last time)!  She ended the set with a beautiful rendition of "Running."  For the encore, she performed "Deliver Me," "Ave Maria," and a rousing rendition of "A Question of Honour."  The show was simply spectacular and I am so glad that I got to see her in such an wonderful venue (especially with my Dad and sister)!

Note:  Over the years I have been lucky enough to see many powerful singers grace the stage at Abravanel Hall, including Rosemary Clooney, Betty Buckley, Elaine Paige, Sissel, Audra McDonald, and Renee Fleming.