Suor Angelica & I Pagliacci

Suor Angelica First performed on 14 December 1918 as one third of Puccini's Il Trittico. Angelica and Il tabarro are frequently neglected in favour of the more humerous Gianni Schicchi (performed by Fife Opera in 2010). The company, however, proves that this need not be the case. Sister Angelica - a woman of noble birth, has been placed in a convent following an illicit love affair resulting in the birth of her son. Over the years, Angelica has longed for news of her family, without success - until - a visitor arrives at the convent - Angelica's aunt - The Princess. She requires Angelica to sign away her portion of the family inheritance, prior to her sister's wedding. On further questioning she also coldly informs Angelica that her son died two years previously. The Princess leaves and Angelica prays to her son and promises to join him in heaven. To this end she prepares a poison and drinks it. On the sudden realisation that in taking her own life she has committed a mortal sin she cries out to the Virgin to save her for the sake of her son. The famous miracle occurs - the Virgin appears with a young boy who slowly walks towards his mother, but she dies just before their hands can meet. The title role played with apparent ease and great depth of feeling by Rosemary Nairne led a host of accomplished singing voices for which Fife Opera has become known. Particular mention should be made of Elaine Young as the formidable and unforgiving Princess, Alison Gormley in her all-too-short aria as Sister Genevieve - we look forward to hearing more of Alison's lovely clear diction in the years to come - and also Louise Wallace and Hale Denholm as the Lay Sisters. I Pagliacci The clowns arrive in the village. Tonio makes advances towards Nedda, which she rejects, and Tonio promises revenge. On overhearing Nedda and Silvio discussing their elopement after the performance, Tonio betrays them to Canio - Nedda's husband. Canio follows Silvio as he runs away, but fails to identify him. The second act sees the play being enacted with all members of the troupe playing their parts of unfaithful wife, jealous husband and spurned lover. As the play progresses, Canio cannot help himself from demanding of Nedda the name of her lover. The audience of villagers watch on in wonder at the reality of the acting, but gasp in horror as finally Canio stabs and kills Nedda and, shortly after, Silvio, as he rushes to help. The well-drilled Fife Opera chorus were expertly assisted by four music graduates in the persons of Elizabeth Chennell as the lovely Nedda, Robert Crowe portraying a powerful Canio - both in voice and stature, Christopher Nairne as Silvio - Nedda's secret lover, and Alistair Digges as Beppe. Last, but certainly not least, mention must be made of the excellent Russell Malcolm as Tonio - the evil clown. Russell was also seen recently as one of the priests in The Magic Flute by Opera Camerata in Edinburgh. Congratulations to Director, Sylvia Dow and Musical Director, Richard Evans for getting tight performances from all involved and for managing an excellent twenty-six piece orchestra.

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