La Traviata

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary the company decided to perform a fully staged production of one of Verdi’s most well-loved works – La Traviata. With 9 named principals, a chorus of 21 and 6 dancers, all backed by an orchestra of 18, this was indeed a “grand opera”. From the opening notes of the overture it was obvious we were to enjoy an evening of delightful music and song. Moira Docherty as Violetta Valery had a faultless and expressive soprano voice along with strong acting skills – all three being shown to their best for me in her aria “Farewell, lovely, happy dreams of the past “in Act 3. She was equally matched by tenor Michael Doroszenko as her, often misguided, lover Alfredo Germont. His soaring tenor voice was at its best in his Act 2 aria “The youthful ardour of my ebullient spirits”. Russell Malcolm as Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father, gave an excellent performance and his rich baritone blended well with Violetta’s in their Act 2 duet “Tell the young girl, so beautiful and pure”. Strong support was given by Susan Jenkin (Flora Bervoix), Kirsten Mann (Annina, Violetta’s maid), Paul McKay (Gaston, Alfedo’s friend), Michael Turner (Baron Douphol), Michael Jamieson (Marquis D’Obigny) and Jordan Lynch (Doctor Grenvil). The chorus singing was extremely strong as shown particularly in the brindisi in Act 1 “Drink from the joyful cup”. The costumes were beautiful and appropriate to the period. As the production was being taken on a short tour, the set was of necessity simple but effective. Overall a marvellous evening. Congratulations to all at Tayside Opera for making grand opera accessible to so many over the past 50 years and long may they continue to do so

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