EIF closes in style with a terrific Ariadne auf Naxos

By David Smythe, 26 August 2021

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“on a perfect summer evening with just a whisper of a breeze, it was as if magic was in the air”

Reviewed at Edinburgh Academy Junior School, Edinburgh on 25 August 2021

Strauss R., Ariadne auf Naxos (Concert performance)

Lothar Koenigs, Conductor

Louisa Muller, Director

Dorothea Röschmann, The Primadonna (Ariadne)

Brenda Rae, Zerbinetta

Catriona Morison, Composer

David Butt Philip, The Tenor (Bacchus)

Soraya Mafi, Echo

Claire Barnett-Jones, Dryad

Serena Sáenz, Naiad

Joshua Hopkins, Harlequin

Alexander Sprague, Scaramuccio

Barnaby Rea, Truffaldino

Sunnyboy Dladla, Brighella

Jonathan McGovern, Wigmaker

Peter Bronder, Dancing Master

Martin Gantner, Music Master

Thomas Quasthoff, The Major-Domo

Filipe Manu, Officer

Ossian Huskinson, Lackey

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Irish National Opera’s Bartered Bride shines

Andrew Larkin, 22nd November

A tiny stage and five musicians prove no obstacle to Irish National Opera’s lively, witty Bartered Bride, where sharp casting and clever direction turn modest means into genuine delight.

****1

Rameau meets The Kardashians: Platée at Garsington

David Karlin, 29th May

A superb orchestral performance from Paul Agnew and The English Concert lights up a breezy and fun staging of Rameau's ballet bouffon.

***11

A streamlined, dramatic Rinaldo from Pinchgut

Sandra Bowdler, 30th November

Although abbreviated, Pinchgut Opera's production of Handel's Rinaldo makes a powerful dramatic impact and exemplifies high musical values, with excellent orchestral playing and consistently fine singing.

****1

The Return of the Screw: chilling Britten at Garsington Opera

Roy Westbrook, 2nd July

Louisa Muller returns to revive her 2019 production, preserving the ambiguity – did the Governess see these things or imagine them?

****1

Goosebumps at Garsington: an outstanding, shadowy Turn of the Screw

Mark Pullinger, 1st July

Director Louisa Muller overcomes the problems of opening a ghost story in natural daylight to deliver plenty of operatic chills.

*****

A colorless Don Giovanni at the Metropolitan Opera

Edward Sava-Segal, 15th April

The Met's spectators love Mozart’s opera, but they deserve an updated staging.

***11

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

Edinburgh International Festival closes in style with a terrific Ariadne auf Naxos