Opera
excerpts a delight to all
Monday, 14th November, 2005
(Article published with kind permission of Northeast Press
Limited,
Sunderland Echo)
REVIEW by Roy Horabin
RACHEL Orr (soprano), Sean Wilkinson (counter tenor),
Rupert Hanson (bass-baritone), Gordon Trewhitt (accompanist) and the
Sunderland Symphony Orchestra Ensemble performed at this well-attended
concert.
The first of 21 operatic excerpts came from Rossini's masterpiece Barber
Of Seville, composed in 1815. Under the baton of Gregory Pullen, the
orchestra gave a lively rendition of the Overture
This set the mood for Rachel's performance of the famous Letter Song,
and Una Voce Poco Fa. The singing at times had breathtaking effect,
especially her fine production of high-register notes and coloratura
passages.
Throughout the evening Rachel further exploited the gamut of emotions,
such as in the gaiety of the Laughing Song (Strauss), the drama of Let
Me Live (Verdi) and the frivolity of Herbert's I Want To Be A Prima
Donna.
Making his concert debut, Sean won approbation for
gems by Handel and Gluck. Sung with depth of feeling and beauty of tone,
they ideally suited his vocal range. When Rachel and Rupert joined him
for Rossini's Cat Duet, their uninhibited felinity caused great
amusement.
Such are Rupert's powers of communication that his sublime Mozart arias
and the more dramatic extracts from Puccini and Tchaikovsky were
delivered with eloquence and conviction.
In sharing accompaniments with the orchestra, Gordon dealt admirably
with his demanding role at the piano. He certainly proved sympathetic to
the differing approaches of each soloist.
The orchestra was well-rehearsed for a Suite from The Gondoliers, The
Grand March from Aïda, Dance Of The Tumblers, and a prelude from
Traviata. There were occasional lapses in precision, but I found the
music-making artistically satisfying.
Rupert, having appeared in stage and concert productions over the years,
was well-qualified to compère the two-and-a-half hour proceedings, by
offering interesting background details.
This Opera For All night was a great success and further shows are
expected.
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