Coloratura Diana Damrau charms in Washington National Opera debut despite illness

Diana Damrau, one of the finest coloraturas of her generation, finally came to Washington National Opera on Monday night. It was not exactly the debut one might have hoped for, not on the main stage and not in her typical repertory. Still, in a recital of largely ethereal German and French songs, the German soprano showed herself a gifted storyteller, set against the evanescent backdrop of arrangements for harp played by Xavier de Maistre. Many hearts leaped into many throats when she announced ...