February 12, 2007
Verdi’s Egyptian epic was performed by the Chisinau National Opera Company from Moldova and presented by Ellen Kent, who has gained a deserved reputation for touring excellent opera and ballet productions. Aïda leaps straight into action – no Overture – and we discover Radames (Patrizio Ha) the guard captain wondering if he will be given command of the Egyptian army in their ongoing war against Ethiopia. Also occupying his mind is his love for Aïda (Galina Bernaz), slave to the king’s daughter Amneris (Nadejda Stoianova). In true grand opera style the princess loves the soldier and becomes jealous of the slave, who it is later revealed is the daughter of the Ethiopian king.
After the battle we see Radames victorious, Aïda’s father Amonasro (Petru Racovita) in chains and a delighted Amneris given to the captain as a gift by her father the king (Viorel Zgardan). Radames’ love for Aïda leads him to betray Egypt and he is captured and sentenced to the death of a traitor; being buried alive. Amneris pleads with the gods for his life, but the gentle finale sees Aïda and Radames preparing to die in one another’s’ arms.
Splendidly sung and accompanied, the performance captured and held the audience’s attention from the start. Particularly fine were the scenes between Aïda and Amonasro as father tries to convince daughter to put nation before personal love, and the beautifully realised finale where the gentleness of music and singing belies the reality of death by incarceration. Ellen Kent productions always include a full orchestra and this makes such a splendid contribution to the grandeur of opera – especially in distinguishing between action and tension. Congratulations to conductor Nicolae Dohotaru and his excellent musicians, especially those sat closest to the stage during the pyrotechnics!
Another performance worthy of note was that of the High Priest Ramfis (Valeriu Cojocaru); while the chorus and dancers performances added much to the whole in creating a suitably Egyptian atmosphere. In addition to the touring company’s ballet corps was a charming dance contribution by children from Stagecoach Theatre Arts Oxford that had the audience ‘aahing’ and laughing with delight – well done the locals!
In all this was a grand and splendid way to spend a wet and miserable Friday night. The New Theatre is hosting a number of Ellen Kent’s productions, both opera and ballet, this year; on the basis of this performance they will be well worth a visit.
After the battle we see Radames victorious, Aïda’s father Amonasro (Petru Racovita) in chains and a delighted Amneris given to the captain as a gift by her father the king (Viorel Zgardan). Radames’ love for Aïda leads him to betray Egypt and he is captured and sentenced to the death of a traitor; being buried alive. Amneris pleads with the gods for his life, but the gentle finale sees Aïda and Radames preparing to die in one another’s’ arms.
Splendidly sung and accompanied, the performance captured and held the audience’s attention from the start. Particularly fine were the scenes between Aïda and Amonasro as father tries to convince daughter to put nation before personal love, and the beautifully realised finale where the gentleness of music and singing belies the reality of death by incarceration. Ellen Kent productions always include a full orchestra and this makes such a splendid contribution to the grandeur of opera – especially in distinguishing between action and tension. Congratulations to conductor Nicolae Dohotaru and his excellent musicians, especially those sat closest to the stage during the pyrotechnics!
Another performance worthy of note was that of the High Priest Ramfis (Valeriu Cojocaru); while the chorus and dancers performances added much to the whole in creating a suitably Egyptian atmosphere. In addition to the touring company’s ballet corps was a charming dance contribution by children from Stagecoach Theatre Arts Oxford that had the audience ‘aahing’ and laughing with delight – well done the locals!
In all this was a grand and splendid way to spend a wet and miserable Friday night. The New Theatre is hosting a number of Ellen Kent’s productions, both opera and ballet, this year; on the basis of this performance they will be well worth a visit.