Joyce DiDonato’s “Eden” Mesmerizes Hong Kong with a Message of Nature and Harmony

When American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato took the stage, it was clear she is not your typical diva: barefoot beneath her elegant gown and sporting a pink streak in her blonde hair, she radiated a unique charm. DiDonato, one of today’s most celebrated singers, is known for her versatility, performing both early and modern music, and even giving jazz recitals.

In collaboration with Il Pomo d’Oro, an ensemble specializing in historically informed performances of Baroque and Classical music, DiDonato brought her conceptual show “Eden” to a sold-out audience in Hong Kong. “Eden” carries a profound message: humanity needs to return to the innocence of the Garden of Eden by respecting nature and showing kindness.

The program featured a diverse selection of songs, spanning composers from the 17th to the 21st centuries, all united by the theme of nature’s beauty and its importance to the human soul. This theme was most explicit in Gene Scheer’s lyrics for Rachel Portman’s “In the morning of the world,” the show’s opening song. However, some connections to the theme seemed more tenuous.

Two standout arias addressed both the destruction of nature and the ravages of war. Josef Mysliveček’s fiery “Toglierò le sponde al Mare” (I shall tear the sea from its shores) depicts a vengeful Angel of Justice, while Francesco Cavalli’s poignant “Piante ombrose” (Shady woodlands) laments the devastation of war and pleads for peace. Despite their historical origins, both pieces are strikingly relevant today. DiDonato’s rendition of “Piante ombrose” and her exquisite performance of Mahler’s “Ich atmet’ einen linden Duft” (I breathed a gentle fragrance) were highlights of the evening.

DiDonato’s rich, full tone, effortless technique, and impeccable diction in multiple languages are remarkable. What truly sets her apart is her expressiveness and the natural ease with which she performs classical music. Led by violinist Zefira Valova, Il Pomo d’Oro provided superb accompaniment and delivered instrumental pieces with a freshness that delighted the audience.

The minimalist staging included simple lighting and strategic placement of musicians. DiDonato utilized a circular pit and a metal double circle as a centerpiece, moving gracefully between the pit and the front of the stage. Surtitles in English and Chinese enhanced the audience’s understanding and enjoyment of the songs.

The performance, slightly shortened, concluded with DiDonato speaking on the importance of nature, encouraging the audience to plant seeds found in their programs. She then introduced the Good Hope School Choir, who sang about planting seeds of love and hope, before closing with Handel’s serene “Ombra mai fu” (Never was a shade).

While the choir’s participation felt somewhat incongruous after such a sophisticated program, DiDonato’s message about focusing on positivity was well-received. The lavender seeds distributed may struggle in Hong Kong’s humid climate, but as DiDonato suggested, planting them symbolizes hope and potential.

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