The State Opera of South Australia. The Opera Studio. 14 Dec 2014
On Sunday afternoon there was gluttony, unrequired love, sexual indiscretion, grief, blood, mayhem and carnage at the Opera Studio, and some damn fine singing!
Playing to a capacity audience, talented director David Lampard put together a generous program of operatic scenes from no less than six operas featuring signers from the Young and Emerging Artists programs of the State Opera, who are generously assisted by the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation.
With only a few simple moveable set items, Lampard seamlessly wove together scenes from ‘Falstaff’ (Verdi), ‘Eugene Onegin’ (Tchaikovsky), ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ (Mozart), ‘Der Rosenkavalier’ (R Strauss), ‘Suor Angelica’ (Puccini), and ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ (Donizetti).
Comprising thirteen performers in the early stages of their careers, the program amply demonstrated the depth of vocal talent this state has to offer. Of particular note were sopranos Desiree Frahn and Joanna McWaters.
Frahn gave a standout performance of Tatyana (‘Eugene Onegin’). She sang the role beautifully and won the hearts of all with a superb portrayal of the passionate love struck aristocrat. Jeremy Tatchell’s voice didn’t quite suit the role of Onegin but the chemistry between he and Frahn resulted in an impressive performance.
Joanna McWaters sang a fine mad scene from ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ and held the audience spellbound with her fine acting. Lampard was careful to ensure that the witnesses to Lucia’s demise were ever watchful and horrified as the tragic events unfolded. Yes, the focus is on Lucia but her tragedy is made even more poignant by the despairing reactions of those around her. McWaters richly deserved the prolonged applause at the conclusion of the program, as did the rest of the company.
Special note must be made of pianist David Barnard whose accompaniment and musical direction was near faultless.
Kym Clayton
When: Closed
Where: The Opera Studio
Bookings: Closed
