Auckland Opera Studio's Così fan tutte makes for an ebullient and moving evening

By Simon Holden, 12 November 2012

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Reviewed at Mercury Theatre, Auckland on 11 November 2012

Mozart, Così fan tutte

Auckland Opera Studio

Patrice Wilson, Director

Auckland Chamber Orchestra

Peter Scholes, Conductor

Madeleine Pierard, Fiordiligi

Anna Pierard, Dorabella

Kawiti Waetford, Guglielmo

Thomas Atkins, Ferrando

Barbara Graham, Despina

Joel Amosa, Don Alfonso

Strong cast opens Handel's Oreste in Auckland

Simon Holden, 20th August

This performance of Oreste showcased a exceptionally strong young cast keenly in tune with Handelian style.

****1

Marlena Devoe wows as Lucia in Auckland

Simon Holden, 10th October

The audience for Lucia di Lammermoor was treated to a young, very believable cast showcasing a star in the making in the form of New Zealand-born Samoan soprano Marlena Devoe.

****1

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Magnifying Glass: a magnificent Les Enfants terribles in Lille

Elena Luporini, 20th March

A new production of Les Enfants terribles at the Opéra de Lille drags the audience into a terribly marvelous labyrinth, courtesy of conductor Virginie Déjos and directors Matthias Piro and Lisa Moro.

*****

Siegfried at the RBO: Kosky and Pappano surprise and delight

David Karlin, 17th March

A revelatory orchestral performance and a cast led by Andreas Schager, Christopher Maltman and Elisabeth Strid make this a Siegfried for the record books.

*****

Opera Australia’s Eugene Onegin shines musically

Sandra Bowdler, 17th March

Eugene Onegin returns to the Sydney Opera house in Kasper Holten’s slightly awkward production but the singing and orchestral playing are exemplary.

****1

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Simon Holden

Simon is an operaphile based in Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his dissertation on Japanese popular music. With a background in piano and classical music retail, he spends his time attending as much opera or vocal concert as he can and blogs at irishenceaway.blogspot.com.