A fruitful 45 yr partnership between Scottish Opera and the National Opera Studio has produced many high quality performances. This yr, eleven singers and 4 repetiteurs have labored collectively for one week to rehearse and devise a model new showcase Lust and Laughter.
With artists gathered from across the globe, together with the UK, this efficiency beneath the baton of Scottish Opera’s Director of Music, Stuart Stratford and course from Emma Jenkins, is the end result of their collective efforts.
What the corporate of artists have produced in such a brief time frame is a excessive spirited, top quality programme of songs delivered by a formidable array of recent, rising opera artists.
Lust and Laughter has been framed across the aftermath of a wild get together. Under the gaze of two kids who information the gamers and who make sure the wished-for glad ending occurs for all.
The one hour ten minute programme begins with the opening act of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. The spirited siblings, left alone, dance their starvation and tedium away. Nancy Holt’s Hansel and Ceferina Penny’s Gretel are each fine-voiced, crisp and clear and lively, guaranteeing a vibrant begin to the night.
There are moments of comedy, romance and tragedy, all deftly dealt with by the robust forged. The number of items permits every singer to showcase their performing and motion abilities in addition to their appreciable singing abilities. We are in youthful however certain fingers all through.
There are some much less well-known and a few much less often carried out items too. Coming within the type of Verdi’s Ernani, von Weber’s Der Frieschütz and Chevalier de Saint Georges’ L’amant anonyme, guaranteeing loads of curiosity for the viewers.
There are many opera favourites too: Nicolai’s Merry Wives of Windsor, Massenet’s Cendrillon, Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz, Nicolai’s Merry Wives of Windsor, Massenet’s Cendrillon and Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte.
Visually, the staging is comparatively minimal however completely applicable for the night, with intelligent lighting offering an accent to the temper of every piece.
This is a cleverly curated work and each an ideal introduction for these new to opera and a night of opera highlights for opera lovers.
Reviewed on 21 February 2025 | Images: Julie Howden
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