This week, rediscover two ‘rival queens’, renowned singers in the 18th century, who battled it out to reign undisputed over Italian opera! 
A place of tragedy and passion, both on stage and behind the scenes, opera has seen its fair share of drama and rivalry throughout its history. Among the most famous was the battle between two singers, Faustina Bordoni and Francesca Cuzzoni, who battled for the public’s favour in the early 18th century – even going so far as to come to blows on stage during a performance!
The Menuhin Festival in Gstaad brings this merciless artistic battle back to the church in Saanen with two singers in the same register as their elders: Vivica Genaux, American mezzo-soprano, and Simone Kermes, German soprano, accompanied here by the Cappella Gabetta, conducted by Andres Gabetta.
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