The Marriage of Figaro

As is so often the case, a Concert version of an opera turns out to be just that  - a Concert.  Not so tonight. With carefully written narration, combined with well executed arias, our audience was soon to forget that they were seeing anything other than a full opera. Making use of a minimalist set, comprising a white backing and a selection of furniture and potted plants, the cast and chorus of fifteen manoeuvred themselves around one of W.A. Mozart’s acknowledged masterpieces.  

Singing and acting was excellent throughout, being led from the top of the opera by Fraser Robinson in the title role and Julie Callander as Susanna, giving an aura of cheekiness associated with Figaro’s bride-to-be. Doctor Bartolo (George Nairne), Count Almaviva (Brannon Liston-Smith)  and Don Basilio (Rowan Gillard) all gave vocally sound performances.  A similar comment must be made of Marcellina (Eilidh Bisset) and Countess Almaviva (Roisin Linehan), the former being revealed to be Figaro’s birth mother – a birthmark on his arm being proof of this! Finally, in the listing of main principals, Cherubino (Catriona Scott) gave a first class performance, both vocally and acting-wise in the well-known role of The Page.    Two minor principals gave splendid performances in the cameo roles of  Barbarina (Jennifer Paton), and Seraphina (Lily Mentiplay).

Musical Direction was in the capable hands of Derek Clark, who conducted from the keyboard. A fine quintet of musicians – two Violins, Viola, ‘Cello and Double Bass - formed an excellent accompaniment to the singers.

Bringing this quality of Concert Version of an opera to the smaller venues in the area allows more people than normal, to sample opera, and hopefully encourage them to attend full operatic performances in future.

Well done Fife Opera!

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