January 29-February 4, 2004

artpicks

Aprile Millo

by Steve Cohen

opera

The Academy of Vocal Arts has often brought opera stars to talk with its students and the public. But the visit of soprano Aprile Millo on Saturday, to appear in conversation with Opera News critic Robert Baxter, has special interest.

Here is a woman who received tremendous hype but never quite made it to superstar status. She was hailed as the next Renata Tebaldi but never came close to her fame. She's been a Met leading lady since 1984, yet there's no gala 20-year anniversary celebration there. Newcomers like Renee Fleming have surpassed her in the assignment of new productions, recordings and TV appearances.

This makes the 45-year-old Millo far more interesting to hear. Does she feel unappreciated? Is she resentful? She always had the dramatic temperament that's needed for the big Verdi roles, so why didn't she make it to the top?

Her many fans, of course, would say that she made a considerable mark. She is the daughter of New York tenor Giovanni Millo and started singing in a Manhattan restaurant. She won prestigious awards and made a La Scala debut in the difficult role of Elvira in Ernani in 1983. Then she scored success at the Met in another challenging Verdi part in Simon Boccanegra. A solo LP for Angel Records in 1986 was never followed by another.

Yet Millo is not a Norma Desmond-like recluse. She continues appearing in popular venues like the Met's summer series in the parks, and here she is coming to Philly.

Aprile Millo in conversation with Robert Baxter, Sat., Jan. 31, 2-4 p.m. with reception to follow, $10, Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St., 215-735-1685.

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