The Transforming Power of Opera

Zenobia in The Santa Fe Opera's Radamisto

"The lovely mezzo-soprano Deborah Domanski 

sings the courageous Zenobia with 

luscious sound and lyrical refinement."

- Anthony Tommasini ,The New York Times

My dear friends,  I feel more privileged and blessed than ever to be a part of this wonderful world of opera.  Looking out into the faces of the Fledermaus audience, it

was obvious they were truly transported beyond their everyday lives, roaring with laughter. Among the historic economic downturn, political uncertainty, and great anxiety about the future, we all need the incredible experience of opera.

In the last 6 months I've had the opportunity to

connect with audiences while singing 3 very different roles.  I so enjoyed becoming each of these characters!  I recently finished my final performance as Prince Orlofsky with Opera Southwest.  In May I played Signora Guidotti in Nino Rota's I due timidi (The Timid Twosome), as the laughable landlady of whom another character sings, "Beware of the paint-peeling voice of the tyrant!"  It was a marvelous opportunity to apply a Carol Burnett/Lucille Ball imprint in an opera. Then the highlight of my career so far: stepping into the role of Zenobia, the Thracian Princess in Handel's Radamisto on day one of rehearsals. This tour de force role presented to standing ovations of 6 sold out audiences at The Santa Fe Opera was thrilling! I was honored when The New York Times wrote, "The lovely Deborah Domanski (replacing Christine Rice, who withdrew from the production because of illness) sings the courageous Zenobia with luscious sound and lyrical refinement." - Anthony Tommasini, Monday, August 4, 2008... and The Financial Times  added "Zenobia's fidelity to Radamisto has a fiery side, especially when she struggles to rebuff Tiridate, and Deborah Domanski's fine lyric soprano conveys it excitingly.  Her silky bare-midriff costume bespeaks a sexiness that explains her appeal to Tiridate." - George Loomis, Wednesday, August 6, 2008...  but best of all General Director Richard Gaddes said of my performances, "Magnificent," and Artistic Administrator Brad Woolbright commented, "Fabulous!"

My professional plans for the next 3 years include expanding my experience as I rock the great houses of the world!... And I'm looking forward to seeing you there when I do!

And as Orlofsky says "Chacun a son gout!" Enjoy yourselves, get carried away at the opera, and have a great holiday season!

Love & Peace,

Deb  

Prince Orlofsky in Opera Southwest's 

Die Fledermaus

"Deborah Domanski, who made such an impression this 

summer in Santa Fe's Radamisto, appears in the ultimate 

comic trouser role, the Russian Prince Orlofsky. She/he 

conveys in gorgeous tones the spirit of the entire operetta 

in the famous aria Chacun a son gout (Whatever you like), 

a toast to champagne among the many pleasures of life."

-D.S. Crafts, Albuquerque Journal, Monday October 6, 2008

Photos by Ken Howard, Michael Golbe & Robert Godwin