(Ben Heppner performs with the Calgary Philharmonic).

IN MARCH, CALGARIANS WERE TREATED TO another in the series of annual visits by vocal superstars, this year Canadian tenor Ben Heppner. Heppner, performing with the Calgary Philharmonic and conductor laureate Mario Bernardi, presented a program featuring selections from his recent recordings, as well as popular hits ranging from "Dein is mein ganzes Herz" to "Danny Boy." His rendition of Florestan's aria from Fidelio and the aria "Ewig Einsam" from Richard Strauss's early opera Guntram amply demonstrated why he is one of the most sought-after heroic tenors of the scene today--his voice ample but never harsh, his enunciation and command of line a marvel. Heppner was equally successful in the French and Italian repertoire he presented in the second half of the concert, notably the authoritative performances of "Vesti la gubba" and "Ch'ella mi creda" from La Fanciulla del West. Numerous encores were necessary to pacify an ecstatic audience.