King for a Day

King for a Day (or to give it its original title, Un Giorno di Regno) was Verdi’s little-known second opera, composed in 1840, and his first comedy, referred to as “chaotic”!  It was written during a period of personal tragedy for Verdi when his wife and two children had died and he did not attempt another operatic comedy until Falstaff at the end of his career.  After its failure at the first performance in 1840, La Scala did not revive it until 2001.  The original story is set in 18th century Poland with the backdrop of the War of the Polish Succession.  This production moves to 1950s America and is set in the Racing Circuit where the main character, who in fact does not appear, is conveniently called Mr King, CEO of King’s Motors!

Performing in a church is quite different to performing in a theatre!  Holy Trinity Guildford, with its excellent acoustic, is well used to staging theatrical performances and concerts.  The performance area, in front of the altar, is fairly modest but its openness allows perfect viewing from every angle.  The set was simple, decorated with flower arrangements and garlands.  Colourful pictures of 1950s racing cars set the scene, adding a bit of Stirling Moss nostalgia.  Race footage from the period was projected on a small black and white TV screen and the telephone box in the pulpit was a clever idea.  Surtitles in the background were an enormous help in understanding the words and the complicated story, even though it was sung in English.

The very strong chorus opened the show with an exuberant introduction.  There is deception and intrigue from the start!  Mr King has been in Europe on an important business merger and persuades Belfiore (Simon Wilson), a racing scout, to impersonate him for a day while he concludes the transaction.  Belfiore is a guest at Baron Kelbar’s (Jon Openshaw) house, celebrating the marriage of Kelbar’s daughter Giuletta (Lisa Moffat) to La Rocca (Richard Bacon), the Treasurer, but she is in love with La Rocca’s nephew, Edoardo (Matt Connolly), a humble mechanic further down the pecking order.  Belfiore takes pity on the hapless Edoardo and promotes him to an engineer at King’s Motors.

Enter the Marchesa, (Antonida Kocharova), the Baron’s niece who is Belfiore’s ex-lover.  She is set to marry the Count of Ivrea (Dave Chapman), having been spurned by Belfiore with whom she is still in love.  She recognises Belfiore for who he really is and they embark on a game of pretending not to know one another.  There follows numerous twists and turns, threats of murder, blackmail, in the midst of which the real (invisible!) Mr King is about to return, having completed his merger.  He promotes Belfiore to Executive Vice President who then reveals his true identity and his intention to marry the Marchesa immediately.  Meanwhile the Baron gives his blessing to Giuletta and Edoardo and everyone lives happily ever after!

This was a truly joyous production, slick, colourful, amusing, full of conspiracy and trickery.  The transition from 18th century Poland to 1950s America was very clever and believable.  The magnificent chorus never flagged, acting out their roles tirelessly with many humorous moments and very strong singing.  The principals of course lived up to their professional training and experience and their superb voices enhanced the already strong chorus.  Special mention must be made of Antonida Kocharova as the Marchesa whose voice was exquisite.

Huge congratulations to Stage Director Valeria Perboni.  Her previous experiences as singer, director and coach were an enormous advantage in staging this imaginative and successful production.  Lewis Gaston, Music Director, led the Guildford Opera Chamber Orchestra in a superb performance. They never overpowered the performers.  At one point in Act 2, during the duet between Baron Kelbar and La Rocca, there was an amusing hint of Gilbert & Sullivan!  They are lucky to have someone of such international expertise to guide them through Verdi’s score with sensitivity and skill.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.