Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi in Manchester double bill

By Leighton Jones, 10 December 2018

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“Throughout both operas, there was freshness, vividness and spontaneity”

Reviewed at Royal Northern College of Music: Theatre, Manchester on 9 December 2018

Puccini, Suor Angelica

Puccini, Gianni Schicchi

Royal Northern College of Music

Martin André, Conductor

Robert Chevara, Director

Nicolai Hart-Hansen, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Linda Richardson, Suor Angelica

Molly Barker, La zia principessa, Zita

Rhiannon Doogan, La badessa

Georgia Mae Ellis, La suora zelatrice, La Ciesca

Naomi Rogers, La maestra delle novizie

Stephanie Poropat, Suor Genovieffa

Ann Wilkes, Suor Dolcina

Rachel Speirs, Suor Osmina

Olivia Tringham, La suora infermiera

Olivia Carrell, Prima cercatrice

Kate Aitchison, Una cercatrice 2

Lauren Coulter, Una novizia

Isabel Curchin, Una novizia

Bethany Moran, Una conversa 1

Airi Yamada, Una conversa 2

Quentin Hayes, Gianni Schicchi

Caroline Taylor, Lauretta

Michael Gibson, Rinuccio

Louis-Charles Gagnon, Gherardo

Yara Zeitoun, Nella

John Ieuan Jones, Betto di Signa

Peter Brooks, Maestro Spinelloccio

Emyr Wyn Jones, Pinellino

Matthew Salter, Guccio

Kristin Frivold, Gherardino

RNCM Opera Ensemble

RNCM Opera Chorus

Kevin Thraves, Choirmaster / chorus director

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

Lehar’s Merry Widow visits the RNCM for Christmas

Andrew H. King, 3rd December

The RNCM's beautiful production of Lehar’s The Merry Widow is the perfect musical accompaniment to the festive season.

***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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Leighton Jones

Leighton has extensive teaching experience from early years to postgraduate level music. Currently he works as a primary music specialist, visiting instrumental teacher and examiner. As a pianist, he was inspired to play after hearing Moura Lympany at a young age and has a large collection of her recordings. Leighton’s postgraduate studies focussed on his interest in 20th-century English orchestral music, with particular study of Britten, Rawsthorne, Walton and Vaughan Williams. A keen choral singer he has developed a comprehensive knowledge of chiefly British choral music.