Gluck reimagined: (m)Orpheus in Auckland

Deborah Wai Kapohe (Euridice) and Samson Setu (Orfeo)

Black Grace dancers

Madison Nonoa (Amore)

By Simon Holden, 07 September 2023

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“Setu’s warm, oaken tones offered much pleasure and he phrased with beauty”

Reviewed at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland on 6 September 2023

Gluck, Orfeo ed Euridice (Re-orchestration by Gareth Farr)

New Zealand Opera

Marc Taddei, Conductor

Neil Ieremia, Director

Tracy Grant Lord, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Jax Messenger, Lighting Designer

Auckland Philharmonia

Jacqueline Coats, Assistant Director

Samson Setu, Orfeo

Deborah Wai Kapohe, Euridice

Madison Nonoa, Amore

Black Grace

Choral ensemble

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.

*****

A masterful Così fan tutte in Auckland

Simon Holden, 31st May

Lindy Hume directs a refreshingly uncomplicated new staging for New Zealand Opera, supported by fine musical performances.

****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.