Swoops, shrieks and croons: Diamanda Galás transfixes at Palace Theatre

A faint spotlight beamed down on the Steinway, illuminating an empty piano bench and plumes of fog curling like smoke rings.

The crowd hushed and waited. And kept waiting. There were hoots and hollers, and then awkward glances and whispered come-ons: “Diamanda, come out and play.”

After five minutes…