Ridding Carmen of cliches in Auckland

By Simon Holden, 24 June 2017

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“Surguladze's... tone has an intriguingly piquant vibrancy and a juicy middle register”

Reviewed at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland on 22 June 2017

Bizet, Carmen

New Zealand Opera

Francesco Pasqualetti, Conductor

Lindy Hume, Director

Dan Potra, Set Designer

Nino Surguladze, Carmen

Tom Randle, Don José

James Clayton, Escamillo

Emma Pearson, Micaëla

Amelia Berry, Frasquita

Kristin Darragh, Mercédès

James Benjamin Rodgers, Le Remendado

James Harrison, Le Dancaïre, Moralès

Wade Kernot, Zuniga

New Zealand Opera Chorus

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.