Trapped in a vice: Il segreto di Susanna and Pagliacci at OHP

David Butt Philip (Canio)

Alison Langer (Nedda) and David Butt Philip (Canio)

Clare Presland (Susanna)

Richard Burkhard (Count Gil)

By Dominic Lowe, 19 July 2024

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“Francesco Cilluffo led the orchestra in a reading that bled passion”

Reviewed at Holland Park Theatre, London on 17 July 2024

Wolf-Ferrari, Il segreto di Susanna

Leoncavallo, Pagliacci (New production)

Opera Holland Park

John Andrews, Conductor

Francesco Cilluffo, Conductor

John Wilkie, Director

takis, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Mark Jonathan, Lighting Designer

City of London Sinfonia

Opera Holland Park Chorus

Martin Lloyd-Evans, Director

Bridget Kimak, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Clare Presland, Countess Susanna

Richard Burkhard, Count Gil

John Savournin, Sante

David Butt Philip, Canio

Alison Langer, Nedda

Robert Hayward, Tonio

Zwakele Tshabalala, Beppe

Harry Thatcher, Silvio

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Mark Valencia, 18th July

Cecilia Stinton’s new production of Lucia di Lammermoor doesn't necessarily make best use of OHP’s performance space, but the singers excel.

***11

A mafioso Merry Widow at Opera Holland Park

Dominic Lowe, 19th June

Despite some excellent music-making, John Savournin's production is hindered by a laboured New York relocation.

**111

Jonathan Dove’s Itch at Opera Holland Park

David Karlin, 3rd June

Simon Mayo’s Young Adult novels are turned into an operatic romp which explores the fascination of the elements with excellent music and setting, albeit riddled with plot lacunae.

****1

Doomed Dutchman wants a wife: Wagner makes Opera Holland Park debut

Eleanor Knight, 27th May

Amid the rough winds of late May, Julia Burbach directs Opera Holland Park's first venture into Wagner – The Flying Dutchman.

***11

Puccini's Edgar makes a rare appearance at Opera Holland Park

Dominic Lowe, 2nd July

Is Puccini's second opera unloved and unlovable? Opera Holland Park makes a commendable attempt to revive Edgar, but struggles to overcome its many flaws.

***11

Cecilia Stinton directs a delightful new Barbiere at OHP

Dominic Lowe, 4th June

Deftly conducted by Charlotte Corderoy, Cecilia Stinton's new production of Rossini's immortal comedy brims with fun.

****1

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Dominic Lowe

Dominic Lowe recently completed a degree in Classics, and one of his great interests is the reception of Greece and Rome in opera. A regular opera-goer since his very early teens, he is particularly keen on the hidden operatic gems of the 19th century. He is largely based in the South of England.

Trapped in a vice: a terrific double-bill of Il segreto di Susanna and Pagliacci at Opera Holland Park