Total theatre: Don Giovanni at Dutch National Opera

By Jenny Camilleri, 08 May 2016

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Reviewed at Dutch National Opera and Ballet, Amsterdam on 7 May 2016

Mozart, Don Giovanni

Dutch National Opera

Marc Albrecht, Conductor

Claus Guth, Director

Christian Schmidt, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Christopher Maltman, Don Giovanni

Adrian Sâmpetrean, Leporello

Sally Matthews, Donna Anna

Véronique Gens, Donna Elvira

Sabina Puértolas, Zerlina

Juan Francisco Gatell, Don Ottavio

Iurii Samoilov, Masetto

Mika Kares, The Commendatore

Chorus of Dutch National Opera

Netherlands Chamber Orchestra

Olaf Winter, Lighting Designer

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British singers Mary Bevan and Roderick Williams lead the cast in Dutch National Opera’s latest ground-breaking opera, merging live music with pre-recorded film and electronics.

****1

Dutch National Ballet brings much needed heat to this winter season

Mark Vicente, 10th February

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****1

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Mengguang Huang, 23rd January

Guth’s Semele turns myth into a contemporary domestic drama, where desire becomes obsession and illusion consumes reality. Handel’s music remains the true engine, driven by a thrilling, physically intense ensemble.

****1

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*****

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Dutch National Ballet returning to New York after more than 40 years should have been thrilling. The opening program, whilst beautifully danced, was somewhat muted.

***11

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***11

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Jenny Camilleri

After completing her postgraduate studies in psychology at the University of Toronto, Jenny moved to Amsterdam, where she enjoys singing in amateur choirs. She loves all genres of classical vocal music, especially nineteenth and early twentieth century Italian and German opera and art songs.