Soprano Gruberova marks 45 years on stage

VIENNA (AP) — Slovak soprano Edita Gruberova is anything but reticent when it comes to what she wants from her audience.

"If the applause lasts less than 20 minutes, it bothers me," says Gruberova who, at 67, is celebrating the 45th anniversary of her first stage appearance with a concert performance of "La Straniera" on Monday. She describes the event as "a personal gift which I am happy to share with my treasured fans."

Performing with Gruberova in Vincenzo Bellini's opera are tenor Jose Bros, mezzosoprano Sonia Ganassi, and baritone Paolo Gavanelli. The performance will be streamed live from Vienna's ornate Musikverein concert hall.

A Feb. 8 performance must have come close to satisfying the "Queen of Coloratura": the audience feted her for 19 minutes.

___

Online: www.sonostream.tv.