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Lyric Opera: Comic Double

by Heather Leviston 16th March, 2015
by Heather Leviston 16th March, 2015

Running true to form, Lyric Opera presented a double-bill of comic masterpieces seldom performed in Melbourne as its first offering for 2015. Although Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi has the occasional airing, the staging of Ravel’s L’heure Espagnole is a rarity. Again, it is up to shoestring companies to bring unaccountably neglected works to Melbourne audiences.

Nicholas Cannon and co-director Jane Millet have concocted an imaginative night of fun and frolics with a bunch of talented performers. From the outset, the fourth wall was decidedly breached. As the audience entered, singers and musicians wandered around the stage talking to each other and greeting friends in the audience. This was the beginning of a series of interchanges where the audience was invited to become a part of the action for both operas. Conductor Pat Miller encouraged people to keep their phones on (on silent, of course) so that enthusiastic comments could be shared electronically with friends. Social media certainly has its uses and the creative team decided to capitalize on them. We were even invited to take a selfie with The Mule.

With the musicians placed in the centre of the action, the stage became congested at times, but this was used to enhance the comic exchanges between performers and added to the general hilarity. The busy chaos of opera buffa was deftly managed by the singers and musicians alike.

One effect of the tiny budget for this company is generally a paring down of the orchestration for their chosen operas. Pat Miller has managed to capture much of the essence of these scores by devising sensitive and respectful arrangements in addition to employing skilled musicians. In the case of L’heure Espagnole, clarinet, double-bass and a line up of percussion and assorted keyboards was not so very far removed from Ravel’s instrumentation, which makes extensive use of percussion. These forces were perhaps less well suited to Puccini’s score, but were effective nevertheless.

The cast of singers appeared to relish their roles, making the most of comic opportunities. There were some truly hilarious moments from some of the cast, with expert timing and a well-judged sense of just how far over the top the comedy should go. As well as possessing an exceptionally fine baritone voice, Shoumendu Ganguly was hysterically funny as Don Inigo Gomez, one of Concepcion’s ridiculous suitors in L’heure Espagnole. He even impressed in a smaller role in Gianni Schicchi, his paunch ascending to a machismo pigeon pout.

The other comic standout was Nigel Huckle as Gonzalve, Concepcion’s prospective lover. Although the plot revolves around her attempts to find romantic moments alone with him while her husband is away regulating the town’s clocks, he turns out to be less than satisfactory. As a creature more obsessed with his own flights of poetic fancy than stolen moments of intimacy, Huckle was totally convincing. The succession of sudden changes, when inspiration struck, was sharply delineated and increasingly hilarious. While his vocal production betrays his background in musical theatre in the United States, his pleasing voice was extremely well controlled (with some beautiful falsetto notes) and his diction exemplary. He is outstanding performer whose flair for comedy could not have been predicted from seeing him in a dramatic role in Harvey Milk last month.

 Katrina Waters made a vivacious Concepcion, her strong mezzo-soprano rising smoothly to the high notes without losing warmth or beauty. As the mule driver, Ramiro, whose clock-moving biceps and greater appreciation of feminine charms eventually win the lady, tenor Raphael Wong impressed with a lovely vocal quality and some spirited acting. Tenor Daniel Sinfield was a lively Torqumada in the Ravel and Gherado in the Puccini, his bright tenor well projected in both operas.

 There was some fine singing by the ensemble for Gianni Schicchi with Kerrie Bolton perhaps taking the honours with her characterful portrayal of Zita. Her experience as a singer and actor was plain to see in her assured performance. Rebecca Rashleigh made a delightful, sweet-voiced Lauretta – a conspicuous example of the way Lyric Opera aims to promote talented young singers. Nicholas Renfree-Marks made an ardent and amusing Rinuccio. He has an attractive tenor voice, but greater confidence was needed to really nail the top notes. As the scheming Gianni Schicchi, James Payne sang robustly and handled much of the stage business confidently.

Anybody looking for a brilliantly entertaining night at the opera would be hard pressed to find anything to fit the bill more satisfactorily than Lyric Opera’s terrific production of these two comic gems.

________________________________________________________________

Heather Leviston reviewed Lyric Opera of Melbourne’s production of L’heure Espagnole and Gianni Schicchi at Chapel off Chapel on March 12, 2015. The season runs until March 19. Details and bookings http://www.lyricopera.com.au/

 

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Heather Leviston

Heather Leviston has devoted much of her life to listening to classical music and attending concerts. An addiction to vocal and string music has led her to undertake extensive training in singing and perform as a member of the Victoria State Opera chorus and as a soloist with various musical organisations.

As a founding academic teacher of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she has had the privilege of witnessing the progress of many talented students, keenly following their careers by attending their performances both in Australia and overseas.

As a reviewer, initially for artsHub, and also for Sounds like Sydney, she has been keen to bring attention to the fine music-making that is on offer in Australia, especially in the form of live performance. Heather is a valued member of Classical Melbourne’s editorial team, with her reviews of opera and vocal music valued by performers and audiences alike.

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2 events, 30

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

Flinders Quartet
May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

A program with common threads, linking lives that are centuries apart. Program Clara Schumann 3 Preludes and Fugues, Op.16 Melody Eötvös…

$29 – $40

1 event, 31

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

The Consort of Melbourne: Ancient texts brought to life with luscious vocal harmonies.

$45 – $55

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

With a voice that speaks volumes in every note, Ferruccio Furlanetto is one of the greatest basses of our time. Over…

$53 – $149

0 events, 2

1 event, 3

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 4

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 5

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

In this concert we explore facets of the world of acheiropoieta: literally “not hand made”, but more specifically miraculous images of…

$15 – $20
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2022 Bach Competition, dedicated to young musicians passionate about JS Bach will soon be open for entries. Entrants…

Free
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 6

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

One of the finest players of his generation. Celebrated London-based Australian pianist, Jayson Gillham is known for his bright toned clarity…

$59 – $79
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 7

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

3 events, 8

11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

A performance of commanding exuberance, grace and sensitivity. Program Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Les petits riens, K.Anh.10/299b Antonio Rosetti - Symphony…

$42 – $49
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 9

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

2 events, 11

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

Never before has The Australian Ballet presented contemporary dance of this scale and ambition. Commissioned for the 60th anniversary of Nederlands…

$50 – $292

0 events, 12

0 events, 13

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

2 events, 16

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

COLLIDE Collide make their debut at ADCH with a showstopping program of exceptional works. With a surprise item at the end,…

$24 – $44
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

1 event, 17

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

3 events, 18

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

Saint-Saëns and Dvořák Artists Rick Prakhoff - conductor Roy Theaker - violin Kalina Krusteva - cello Program Saint-Saëns – Havanaise Op…

$15 – $45

1 event, 19

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

A double dose of Dvořák and the ferociously brilliant Feld flute concerto, with the legendary Prudence Davis on flute. Program Antonín…

$30 – $143

2 events, 20

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

JS Bach’s Double Violin Concerto is the glowing centrepiece of a Bach family reunion that celebrates this greatest of all musical…

$25 – $171

1 event, 21

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

2 events, 22

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

1 event, 23

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

1 event, 24

7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 24 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

2 events, 25

1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical…

$50 – $292

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

May 30
May 30 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Flinders Quartet: A Life’s Work

May 31
May 31 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Consort of Melbourne – Palimpsest

June 1
June 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ferruccio Furlanetto in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
June 3
June 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 4
June 4 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 5
June 5 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Acord – Medieval Performance Ensemble: The Holy Face

June 5 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Bach Competition 2022

June 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 6
June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jayson Gillham – Bach & Chopin

June 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 7
June 7 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8
June 8 @ 11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Conflicted Passions

June 8 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 8 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 9
June 9 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 10
June 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11
June 11 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

June 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Kunstkammer

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
June 16
June 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

COLLIDE

June 16 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 17
June 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 19
June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 20
June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 21
June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22
June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Zelman Symphony: Saint-Saëns and Dvořák

June 19
June 19 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Recurring

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Rhapsodic Bohemians

June 20
June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Australian Chamber Orchestra: Bach

June 21
June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22
June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 22 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 23
June 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 24
June 24 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25
June 25 @ 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

June 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm Recurring

The Australian Ballet: Harlequinade

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  • There are no events on this day.
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