Ever since Carnegie Hall opened in 1891, it has been a cultural, iconic beacon in New York City. A national historic landmark located on the corner of 57^th Street and Seventh Avenue, it is thrilling to experience a performance in one of its three exquisite venues: Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, Zankel Hall, and Weill Recital Hall. 

Carnegie Hall
photo by Allan Leonard

After more than a year of being closed due to the pandemic, Carnegie Hall held their first concert of the 2021 -2022 season on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, and it was a glorious night to remember. We had the pleasure of attending the Power of Destiny concert with Serbian Star Soprano Marija Jelic and American pianist Anthony Manoli, held in the intimate Weill Recital Hall. The 268-seat Weill Hall with its ivory cream walls embellished with gold filigree and floral design, three opulent sparkling crystal chandeliers and crystal sconces bathing the audience in their rich, warm light, and Dresden blue velvet draperies adorned with gold tassel trim and matching blue velvet seats gave the room a formal air. 

Anthony Manoli and Marija Jelic
photo by Blake Friedman

After an introduction, Mr. Manoli and Ms. Jelic made a dramatic entrance onto the stage, him in formal tails and her wearing a stunning lipstick red gown encrusted with beading, which was perfect for the first part of the program of romantic songs that began with four selections from Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff (1873 - 1943):  S. Rachmaninoff: "A dream," Op. 8 No 5, followed by S. Rachmaninoff: "Oh, never sing to me again," Op. 4 No 4, S. Rachmaninoff: "I wait for thee, Op. 14 No 1, and S. Rachmaninoff: "How fair this spot," Op 21. No 7. 

The program continued with three selections of opera arias by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), G. Verdi: "In solitaria stanza" (which translates as, "In a lonely room") composed in 1832, followed by G. Verdi: Perduta ho la pace" (which translates as, "I have lost my peace") composed in 1838, and G. Verdi: Desdemona's aria "Ave Maria" from Otello, which concluded the first part of the impressive program. 

Anthony Manoli and Marija Jelic
photo by Blake Friedman

After a short break, Ms. Jelic returned to the stage wearing a stunning one-shoulder long sleeve ebony gown embellished with crystals on the bodice and side, that signaled the change in the program, beginning with three selections from Italian Opera composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) "Sole e amore" (which translates as "Sun and love") produced in 1888 and later incorporated into La bohème, G. Puccini: Mimi's aria "Donde lieta usci" (which translates as "Whence she came out happy") also from La bohème, and G. Puccini: "E l'uccellino" (which translates as "the little bird"). Ms. Jelic held the audience spellbound as she sang each composition with her gorgeous vocal range and expressive face. 

She segued into Serbian composer Stanislav Binički's (1872-1942), Stanka's aria "Tamo za tom gorum" from the opera Na uranku (which translates as "At dawn"). This important work was the first Serbian opera and was first performed in 1903. The program continued with P. Konjović's "Nane kaži tajku" and concluded with Giuseppe Verdi's: Leonora's aria "Pace, pace mio Dio" (which translates as "peace, peace, my God") from the opera Forza del destino (which translates as "the force of destiny"). 

Marija Jelic

Ms. Jelic's impressive credentials include performing with Placido Domingo, Jose Cura, Elina Garanca and Jonathan Tetelman. Mr. Manoli has worked with some of the leading opera companies throughout the world, and his approach to the diverse compositions performed demonstrated his exceptional and masterful expertise as a renowned pianist. 

With encouragement from the appreciative audience, Ms. Jelic sang three additional songs that left the audience breathless. With each performance we attend we feel that we are gradually returning to "pre-pandemic" normalcy and filling a cultural void. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and music! 

For more information on Carnegie Hall and its upcoming programs and events, please visit their website: www.CarnegieHall.org, social media pages, or visit or call the box office at +1-212-247-7800. 

Carnegie Hall
881 Seventh Avenue, near 154 West 57th Street
New York, New York
United States
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Website: www.CarnegieHall.org
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Twitter: @CarnegieHall 

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