Opera Through the Ages

Opera Through the Ages was presented by Opera Viva at St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Harlech Road, Blundellsands, Crosby on Saturday 28th March 2026.

The concert was to celebrate the evolution of opera from the 1600s to the 21st century, moving from the Baroque era through to the more modern and contemporary works.

Production Team… Guiding us through a wide range of operatic styles and musical challenges were Alison Davies (Musical Director), Robert Chesters (Accompanying Pianist) and Steve Riordan (Narrator). Alison delivered excellent musical direction throughout the concert, leading with assurance whenever required. At the piano, Robert once again proved the old adage true: if singers can “sing the phone book”, then Robert can play it — a wonderfully talented and versatile pianist. Steve’s narration provided valuable insight into the stories behind the music, adding depth and context that were very much appreciated.
A heartfelt well done to all three — a great job.

The performance was presented in two acts.

Act I
i)  Robert Chesters opened the evening with a performance of the Scarlatti Piano Sonata.
ii) Pat Maitland and Carla Hay followed with a duet of ‘Pur ti miro’ from The Coronation of Poppea by Monteverdi
iii) Maria Williams and the Company performed Dido’s Lament and With Drooping Wings from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, the first and only all‑sung English opera.
iv) Valerie Watts sang Man is for the Woman Made another from Purcell’s The Mock Marriage.
v) Carla Hay and the Company continued with Cara Sposa an aria from Handel’s Rinaldo,followed by the Company’s rendition of Vivaldi’s Gloria.
vi) Peter McColgan then entertained us with Silent Worship, Arthur Somervell’s English adaptation of an aria from Handel’s Tolomeo (Ptolemy).
vii) The Company closed Act I with the Chorus of Enchanted Islanders from Handel’s Alcina.

Act II
i) The Company opened Act II with Hail, Bright Abode from Mozart’s The Magic Flute — a vibrant and uplifting start to the second half.
ii) Steve Riordan delivered a powerful performance of Banquo’s Aria from Verdi’s dark and dramatic opera Macbeth.
iii) Lesley Smith and Pam Ashcroft lifted the mood with Lesley’s lively Laughing Song and Pam’s heartfelt Homeland from Strauss’s Die Fledermaus.
iv) The Ladies’ Chorus showcased their vocal blend and musicality with the Chorus of the Cigarette Girls from Bizet’s Carmen, a piece admired for its memorable melodies and interwoven harmonies.
v) Robert Chesters returned with a piano solo of Make Our Garden Grow from Bernstein’s Candide.
vi) Lesley Smith offered a standout performance of Gershwin’s Summertime from Porgy and Bess.

vii) To conclude the evening, The Company delivered a spirited rendition of What a Feast from Strauss’s Die Fledermaus. As most will know, I’m not one to sit on the fence, and this is where I would normally start selecting ‘show stealers and favourites’  MY choices…
      there’s little or no doubt that you will have your own, but these are mine and I’m going to select a favourite both Acts…

Act 1 … I will admit I did struggle with a favourite from Act 1, not for the lack of quality contenders I must confess, but I finally plumped for the Companies rendition of Vivaldi’s Gloria… so many great voices coming together, loved it!

Act 2 … Loved, loved Lesley Smith’s interpretation of George Gershwin’s opera classic from Porgy and Bess … ‘Summertime’. OMG this was an amazing rendition of this classic which became a popular jazz standard. Lesley is truly blessed with a wonderful
              soprano voice which she showed off throughout this classic!

The only downside to this concert were the ‘number’ of audience members! OK it wasn’t the best of nights weather wise, but it really was such a shame that so few saw this concert … the effort, energy and commitment from the members of Opera Viva really did deserve more ‘bums on seats’.

Thank you so much for the invite, I really did enjoy everything that was sung and played that evening, keep going folks, as suggested previously, if I can help… you know where to find me!

Stay Safe, Keep well ....
“Stronger Together”

Jim Briscoe,
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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