An underwhelming Barber in Oslo

By Aksel Tollåli, 17 October 2017

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Reviewed at Oslo Opera House, Main Stage, Oslo on 14 October 2017

Rossini, Il barbiere di Siviglia

Norwegian National Opera

Manlio Benzi, Conductor

Francois de Carpentries, Director

Karine van Hercke, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Joshua Hopkins, Figaro

Samantha Hankey, Rosina

Levy Sekgapane, Count Almaviva

Luciano di Pasquale, Dr Bartolo

Caroline Wettergreen, Berta

Jens-Erik Aasbø, Don Basilio

Hilde Andersen, Revival Director

Wayne McGregor’s Jocasta’s Line offers powerful performances

Maggie Foyer, 13th September

A dramatic staging of two Greek myths, Wayne McGregor’s Jocasta’s Line is an epic production for Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, a truly modern and totally original work.

****1

Alone and in love: Christoph Loy’s compelling new Onegin in Oslo

Aksel Tollåli, 15th February

Chrisoph Loy's new Oslo production of Eugene Onegin only somewhat succeeds in its desire to create a meditation on loneliness, but superb musical performances still make it an utterly compelling piece of music theatre.

****1

Too many doors: Don Giovanni in Oslo

Aksel Tollåli, 29th May

Despite some dramatic frustrations, at least in Oslo, Jones' production is saved by some truly outstanding singing.

***11

Maybe it’s make-believe: a curious Norma in Oslo

Aksel Tollåli, 20th January

The first staging of Bellini's Norma in Oslo in over a century is unfortunately hampered by an irritating production, yet some glorious singing does much to rescue the show.

**111

Into the abyss: a harrowing Wozzeck in Oslo

Aksel Tollåli, 25th November

Christoph Loy's Oslo production of Wozzeck is a dramatic triumph, with gripping performances from a cast led by Audun Iversen's desperate title character.

*****

Bieito's Tosca: A web of white packing tape

Aksel Tollåli, 11th June

Calixto Bieito's Tosca, despite an intriguingly modern setting, fails to make sparks fly.

***11

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Aksel Tollåli

Aksel is currently studying towards a degree in musicology at the University of Oslo. At the moment he is an exchange student at Goldsmiths College in London. He is also a choral singer and a trombonist. His musical interests include 20th-cenury French music, Baroque opera and the music of Richard Strauss.