Placido Domingo First International Voice Comp

Winners of the international opera competition sponsored by Placido Domingo generally have lots of potential, but lack polish. Most promising from the first competition in 1993 is Nina Stemme, whose dark, rich voice shines thrillingly in La forza del destino, but succumbs to flabbiness and choppiness in lyrical passages. Ainhoa Arteta and Inva Mula-Tchako have pretty, sparkling sopranos, though the latter pushes needlessly through the middle voice and Arteta's selections are unchallenging. Kwangchul Youn, a competent, full-bodied bass, lacks style and phrasing skills. According to the verbosely translated liner notes, Domingo, a "matinee idol ... for adolescent, opera-addicted teenagers" (wherever they may be!) is a much-needed role model for these young singers. Only time will tell if these masters of the art of competition will have masterful careers. --Barbara Eisner Bayer