Lehar’s Merry Widow visits the RNCM for Christmas

By Andrew H. King, 04 December 2014

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Reviewed at Royal Northern College of Music: Concert Hall, Manchester on 3 December 2014

Lehár, Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow)

Royal Northern College of Music

Wyn Davies, Conductor

Stefan Janski, Director

Sarah Froubert, Hanna Glawari

Jennifer Parker, Valencienne

Benjamin Lewis, Count Danilo Danilovich

Philip Clieve, Baron Mirko Zeta

Alexander Grainger, Camille de Rosillon

James Fisher, Kromow

Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi in Manchester double bill

Leighton Jones, 9th December

In two equally impressive performances, students from the RNCM star in these two one-act operas.

****1

An understated production of A Midsummer Night's Dream

Andrew H. King, 21st March

Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream lacking a little magic at the RNCM.

***11

Sondheim's excellent Company at the RNCM

Andrew H. King, 25th June

Coming to a head in a production of wit, charm and depth, the RNCM's production of Sondheim's Company is splendidly designed and excellently directed.

****1

An Enchanting Gluck Double Bill from the RNCM

Andrew H. King, 16th March

Remarkable commitment from the RNCM Vocal Department in an entrancing Gluck double bill, of the forgotten L’ivrogne corrigé and the famous Orfeo ed Euridice.

****1

Royal Northern College of Music: L'Elisir d'Amore

Andrew H. King, 8th December

Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore is perhaps one of the most delightful operas ever written; full of romance and comedy underpinned by a witty and charming score makes it the perfect light-hearted entertainment. The RNCM presented an excellently compelling production.

*****

Shostakovich's Moscow, Cheryomushki at the RNCM

Andrew H. King, 21st March

Shostakovich’s 1959 operetta Moscow, Cheryomushki (“Paradise Moscow”) is to date one of the most uncomfortable evenings I have ever spent in a theatre, though, I hasten to add, not because of the performance.

****1

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Andrew H. King

Following training as a singer and conductor, Andrew is now completing a doctoral thesis on the life and songs of Sir Granville Bantock. Interests include English and American music, with an emphasis on opera, choral music and song. Andrew has been published in MUSO, Early Music, and by BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms.