Performer: Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus

Lindy Hume directs a new production of Mozart's masterpiece which proves a constant delight.

Giordano Bellincampi presides over a fleet and crisp performance of Beethoven's only opera, performed in Auckland Town Hall. 

It was hard not to be drawn in by the romance and tragedy as presented by such a sincere, credible and vocally talented young cast and a conductor with such strong identification with the idiom.

Charming and hilarious by turn, this production fields a largely young and Kiwi cast.

Though occasionally entertaining, this production was ultimately unsatisfying as a stage presentation of Bernstein’s work. 

Puccini’s score has many thrilling moments, here taken up by a fascinating if uneven cast of singers.