The story of Toscanini  and his relationship with famous opera diva called "the divine Nadina Bulycova" who is also the Emperor of Brazil's mistress. When Toscanini is dispatched to her country estate to plead with the diva to return to Rio and rehearse at least the high notes for the gala performance of "Aida", he is confronted by a ravishing, imperious Taylor who demands tribute before toil: 'Where are the flowers? Where are the jewels?