Beginning with a somber pad of strings before we’re introduced poetically with a sprinkling of twinkling lights to our leading lady, the exceptionally talented opera singer Laura Gomez, Lady M’s Day of a Hundred Candles welcomes us with a brief introduction to the woman who inspired the piece and to which it is dedicated. “Mary, what a beautiful name,” Gomez propels, a nod to Mary B Galvin, philanthropist and leader in the classical arts who has inspired generations of musicians and classical music enthusiasts alike; She is soon to celebrate her 100th birthday.

The bed at which Gomez’s stunning vocal prowess rests is a beautiful and articulate piece by Italian composer Maria Rago, which even if it hadn’t been destined for this specific purpose and person, is no doubt a gift to our ears.

As the composition flows up and down as though to reach each seat in its ever-present concert hall, as does Gomez, moving like a muse duetting with the orchestra to sing the sound of the name Mary in a tight dialogue where the voice reaches peaks of notable difficulty. Weaving through the strings and quivering along the gently crashing cymbals like waves soulfully drifting over sand to cool the feet that walk it, the composition grows increasingly triumphant, embodying the ambitious nature of Mary Galvin herself in a fantastical retelling of her remarkable accomplishments and a spirited acknowledgment of how much her presence and commitment to classic arts has forever changed the landscape of its entire community.

Gomez’ astonishing range culminates the piece in a fiery fit of passion and the orchestra is quelled by its unabashed power. If there were a birthday cake set on the stage, its candles would have been put out by the sheer intensity and our wishes, however incredible, forever granted by the gift bestowed onto us today.

Credits:
Laura Gomez – Soprano
Maria Rago – Composer
Alessandro Rivolta – Sound Engineer

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Keep up with the artists by visiting their websites.
Maria Rago: www.mariaragomusic.com
Laura Gomez: https://laurisoprano.wixsite.com/lauragomez