Amidst Lisette Oropesa’s captivating performance of Sempre libera, an unexpected yet extraordinary moment unfolded at the Teatro Regio di Parma in Parma, Italy. Opera student Liu Jianwei found himself in the midst of the enchanting melody, realizing that the male tenor part remained unvoiced. Seizing the opportunity, the 24-year-old, studying opera at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Nicolini di Piacenza, decided to lend his voice from the audience, completing the full arrangement with finesse and passion.
Oropesa, a Cuban-American soprano, was initially taken aback by Liu’s impromptu participation. However, her surprise quickly turned into delight and gratitude as Liu seamlessly joined her onstage, showcasing his remarkable talent and adding depth to the performance. The spontaneous duet, captured on video, quickly went viral, amassing 2.6 million views and capturing the hearts of opera enthusiasts worldwide.
Following the performance, Liu approached Oropesa to apologize for his spontaneous act, fearing he may have been perceived as rude. However, Oropesa was genuinely pleased to meet him, recognizing his contribution to the momentous occasion. She graciously posed for a photo with the young singer and even autographed memorabilia for him, further solidifying the bond forged through music.
Reflecting on the experience on Chinese social media, Liu expressed his admiration for Oropesa and clarified that his actions were not to boast but stemmed from his love for the art form and his familiarity with the opera. He emphasized the importance of respecting performers on stage and pledged not to repeat his interruption in the future.
Despite Liu’s reservations, opera enthusiasts lauded his spontaneous duet, recognizing it as a brilliant and unique addition to the performance. Comments poured in, highlighting Oropesa’s genuine joy at the unexpected collaboration and praising Liu for filling the missing part with grace and skill.
Sempre libera, an aria from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera La Traviata, serves as a poignant reflection on freedom and independence. Sung by the courtesan Violetta Valéry, the aria captures her inner conflict as she contemplates love and the pursuit of her own autonomy. La Traviata remains one of the most beloved operas, with Sempre libera standing as a testament to its enduring allure and timeless themes.