ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Date: 6 Sept 2019
Location: Romanian Athenaeum
Category: By Midnight Concerts
Gluck “Iphigénie en Tauride”, opera in concert version
Laurence Cummings conductor, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Anna Caterina Antonacci – Iphigénie (mezzo-soprano), Christopher Maltman – Oreste (baritone), Toby Spence – Pylade (tenor), Andrew Foster-Williams – Thoas (bass-baritone), Mary Bevan – Diane (soprano), Sofia Larsson – Greek Woman (soprano), Miriam Allan – First Priestess (soprano), Jessica Cale – Second Priestess (soprano), Dingle Yandell – Scythian (bass-baritone), Brian Mcalea – Minister (baritone)
Anna Caterina Antonacci has been the one that made me truly fall in love with opera, she’s one of my favourite opera singers and seeing her live has been a ten years old dream. And the reality was even better than everything I had imagined. I wasn’t expecting such a powerful voice after so long a time, but she was a real force on that stage. She exuded sorrow, despair and passion with minimal gestures, her eyes and face alone portraying the trials of Iphigénie and injecting us with the raw emotions of her character. Alongside her, Christopher Maltman was a perfect match, and a new discovery for me as well. He was a very strong presence, dominating the stage with his unforgettable intense singing and visceral interpretation. Toby Spence was also a nice surprise, I liked his singing and he was authentic as Christopher Maltman sidekick character. Andre Foster-Williams as ok, but nothing to write home to, same about Mary Bevan.
Iphigénie en Tauride is a beautiful work, with an interesting Greek mythological plot that has it all: murder, honour, loyalty, revenge, family drama and unbreakable friendships. Moreover, we got to hear the original French version of the opera, in a historical informed performance played on period instruments by the Age of Enlightenment Orchestra. Wrapping it up, this was a night to remember, a once in a lifetime experience and a dream come true.
ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Date: 7 Sept 2019
Location: Romanian Athenaeum
Category: By Midnight Concerts
Gluck “Orfeo ed Euridice”, opera in concert, viennese version
Iestyn Davies – Orfeo (countertenor), Lydia Teuscher – Euridice (soprano), Rowan Pierce – Amore (soprano)
If the previous night was intense and dark, this one had a lighter mood. We switched from the menace of execution to the promise of love and happiness, from brotherly love to romance, from a divine intervention to stop bloodshed to one which brings the dead back in their lover’s arms. Iestyn Davies was a delight as Orfeo and the highlight of the show both in terms of singing and acting. I liked Rowan Pierce as well quite a lot, with one caveat. She sang beautifully, but she did it in a very technical and impersonal manner. Not much else to say frankly. It was a chill and relaxed evening, filled with wonderful music, lovely singing and souvenirs to remember this Gluck themed weekend (Iphigénie en Tauride, Orfeo ed Euridice).
