Gianni Schicchi delights the Edinburgh Fringe

By David Smythe, 21 August 2014

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Reviewed at St Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh on 20 August 2014

Puccini, Gianni Schicchi

Opera Bohemia

Tom Cooper, Director

Magnus Popplewell, Set Designer

Deborah Rudden, Lauretta

Catriona Clark, Nella

Shuna Scott Sendall, La Ciesca

Cheryl Forbes, Zita

Adam Magee, Gherardo

Andrew Dickinson, Rinuccio

Andrew McTaggart, Gianni Schicchi

Nicholas Cowie, Marco

Christopher Nairne, Betto di Signa

Alan Watt, Maestro Spinelloccio

James Arthur, Simone

Amy Piggot, Gherardino

A fun-packed Falstaff from Opera Bohemia

David Smythe, 23rd August

Opera Bohemia provides a fun-filled showcase for Conservatoire graduates in a finely sung Falstaff heading for the Edinburgh Fringe with a small orchestra.

****1

Butterfly brings a flutter of excitement to the Fringe

David Smythe, 24th August

Only a piano and violin accompany this well-sung pocket Madame Butterfly from Opera Bohemia at the Edinburgh Fringe, which works surprisingly well.

***11

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.

*****

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

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.

*****

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

Seriously high mischief: Gianni Schicchi is an Edinburgh Fringe delight