Disappointing Candide in Auckland

By Simon Holden, 26 March 2018

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“masterful music-making was let down by the incessantly farcical stage business”

Reviewed at Auckland Town Hall: Great Hall, Auckland on 23 March 2018

Bernstein, Candide

New Zealand Opera

Wyn Davies, Conductor

Stuart Maunder, Director

Roger Kirk, Set Designer, Costume Designer

James Benjamin Rodgers, Candide

Amelia Berry, Cunegonde

Jacqueline Dark, Old Lady

Kanen Breen, Governor

Reg Livermore, Doctor Pangloss

James Harrison, Maximilian

Natasha Wilson, Paquette

Auckland Philharmonia

Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus

Byron Coll, Vocals

Robert Tucker, Baritone

Opening the doors of memory: a haunting Bluebeard’s Castle in Auckland

Simon Holden, 13th March

In Daisy Evans’ conception, as Judith briefly reconnects with the joy and tragedy of her past, the effect is nothing short of devastating.

****1

Into the labyrinth: opera and community in The Monster in the Maze

Simon Holden, 19th September

Director Anapela Polata’ivao handles her mixed forces of amateurs and professionals with seamless assurance, the crowds’ movements across the stage showing both clarity and intent.

****1

Stunning direction elevates New Zealand Opera's La bohème

Simon Holden, 29th May

New Zealand Opera's new production impresses with its stunning set design and art direction, and its restrained emotional tone.

***11

Fine singing but messy staging: Le Comte Ory at New Zealand Opera

Simon Holden, 30th May

Director Simon Phillips takes the opportunity to reshape the setting of Rossini's comic opera to modern-day New Zealand.

***11

Blissful Mansfield Park in Auckland

Simon Holden, 21st April

Dove’s masterful adaptation, combined with an ebullient and characterful rendition by New Zealand Opera, make for a very effective and at times, very moving, afternoon at the opera.

*****

Gluck reimagined: (m)Orpheus in Auckland

Simon Holden, 6th September

Gareth Farr re-orchestrates Gluck in Neil Ieremia's imaginative reinterpretation of the Orpheus myth for New Zealand Opera.

****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.