Angela Gheorghiu, sang her first Violettas at Covent Garden in the autumn of 1994. Her performance, though very individual, was reminiscent in some ways of her beloved compatriot and famous Violetta, Virginia Zeani, whom she constantly refers to as her idol and inspiration. Angela Gheorghiu caused such a stir in La Traviata that she was quickly asked to sing in the Royal Variety Performance, an annual event of short "acts" usually held in the London Palladium before a senior member of the royal family. As lighter fare is the usual menu, this was a rare honour for a serious opera singer. Disclaimer- Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use. If for any reason, you deem that a video appearing in this channel violates copyright, please inform us immediately before you submit a claim to YouTube and we will take care to remove it