Aïda – Ellen Kent Opera International

How do you ever fit Aïda into the Theatre Royal? With a very musical shoehorn. Ellen Kent’s ensemble is superlative: a passionate, vulnerable Aïda (Olga Perrier), a heroically focussed Radames (Giorgio Meladze), a sensuous, sympathetic Amneris (Zarui Vardanean), indeed all the principals (Iurie Gisca, Vadym Chernihovskyi, Oleksandr Forkushak). The chorus too sang to wonderful effect and the dainty dancers are certainly worth a mention. The tiny orchestra was thrilling, from the celestial trumpet to the thunderous tuba, the full range of woodwind and fearless strings. There was a wall of sound, all natural acoustic, touring opera at its very best.

Theatre Royal, 24 January 2017
Rating:
Andrew Connal