Aida

When one gets an invitation to a Kentish Opera performance you know you are in for a wonderful evening, and Aida didn’t disappoint. All the elements of grand opera are there: set, lighting, costumes, score, professional performances, superlative orchestra, excellent direction. I could stop there as this Aida was a joy to watch, what more to say.!!

The orchestra sounded just as grand under the baton of Robyn Sevostos as musical Director. There was some gorgeous oboe and flute playing. I was also impressed by the brass, and trumpets for the whole Triumphal March. The famous return from the battle of Radames, with an abundance of troops marching in various colourful and authentic looking costumes (Carol Stevenson), and a group of slaves that perfectly matched the grandiosity of Verdi’s “Triumphant March,” which made Carol’s costume design uppermost in this Aida.

A huge screen carried the set to new hights, depicting a feel of Egypt, I loved this move and with strategic lighting gave us the feel as if we were there. Stephen Anthony Brown (Director) you took your cast of (I would say 60? at a guess) and gave this production of Aida a wonderous sound and your choice of performers in the lead roles was exceptional. These being Catherine Blumenthal as Aida, Roberto Abate as Radames, Felicity Buckland as Amneris, John Lofthouse as Ramphis, Hakan Vramsmo as Amonasro, Giles Davis as Pharaoh, Lexie Wisniewska as High Priestess, and Angus Morton. Of course these were all backed up by Kentish Opera’s wonderous chorus truly magnificent.Unfortunately, Roberto Abate playing Radames had a chest infection and couldn’t sing the role on the evening I went. But Jonathan Cooke did a splendid job of singing for him. Well, done Jonathon.

Thank you, Kentish Opera, for inviting me to Aida a memorable evening was had by all.

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