Opera star Joyce DiDonato learned early not to let the polish outshine her muse.

By David Patrick Stearns [Philadelphia Inquirer, 30 March 2008]

NEW YORK - The full-length concert gown was definitely in Joyce DiDonato's way when she took her bows on Wednesday at Lincoln Center. The star mezzo-soprano, wrapping up a well-received recital, almost tripped on the dress' slinky expanse, but she recovered with aplomb because, after all, she's lived on the mean streets of Philadelphia.