Bravo! - an unusual word with which to begin a concert review maybe, but one perfectly befitting this sparkling performance.
I must be allowed a little contextual aside here. When Gerry Doyle had the original idea to pull together a group of local and regional musicians to form the ‘Haffner’ orchestra it began life, as the name suggests, as a chamber group performing a broadly Classical repertoire. But it has always bravely stepped outside that brief. As an example, I remember within the first few years playing in Arnold Schoenberg’s Op 34 ‘music for an imaginary (silent) film sequence.’ However, who could have imagined at that time not only that this group might be extant almost half a century later, but that it would still be introducing new dimensions to its repertoire.
Concert performances of Opera need to be convincingly executed. There is nowhere to hide within the obvious distractions usually associated with the genre. So it was a great joy to witness such a consummate performance last Saturday. Conductor Alex Robinson must take great credit for bringing together a group of soloists who enthralled us not only with masterful individual performances but also as a team clearly enjoying bringing the characters to life and projecting the plot so engagingly. Alex Jones (bass) as Don Pasquale superbly portrayed the blustering Pantalone character with both comedy and pathos. Jack Dolan (tenor) as Ernesto was his convincing youthful and enthusiastic nephew, bringing the part to life perfectly. Simon Wallfisch (baritone) as the plotting go-between, Dr Malatesta, carried the role with great characterisation and humour. The scene in which he tutors Norina (soprano) played by Daniella Sicari, to play the role of Sofronia was a highlight as were Daniella’s wonderful coloratura gymnastics throughout the evening! Henry Page (bass) as Carlino, the notary, played a delightful comedic role within the fast paced action. Alex’s Furness Bach Choir made up the chorus of gossiping servants
I touched on new dimensions earlier. The challenges with this one are multifarious and Alex Robinson is not only to be congratulated for bringing the performers together but for keeping them together. The nature of Opera is its flexible tempo - it is anything but ‘four square.’ If the performance is to work the conductor must have a secure technique combined with the will to assert his and the soloists’ intentions in a way to give the orchestra confidence. Only then does the chemistry between director and players balance the equation. Alex and all involved produced exactly the result needed. Thank you all. And again, Bravo to the Haffner Orchestra!
David Prescott
Comments