A refreshing new Nozze di Figaro from New Zealand Opera

By Simon Holden, 09 June 2021

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“wonderful ensemble cast and a production that brought the masterpiece to life”

Reviewed at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland on 8 June 2021

Mozart, Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)

New Zealand Opera

Zoe Zeniodi, Conductor

Lindy Hume, Director

Tracy Grant Lord, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Matthew Marshall, Lighting Designer

John Moore, Count Almaviva

Emma Pearson, Countess Almaviva

Richard Ollarsaba, Figaro

Joanna Foote, Susanna

Bianca Andrew, Cherubino

Andrew Collis, Doctor Bartolo

Kristin Darragh, Marcellina

Andrew Grenon, Don Curzio, Don Basilio

Joel Amosa, Antonio

Imogen Thirlwall, Barbarina

Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus

Auckland Philharmonia

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.