Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Sunday 15th May 2016
Three of the most popular operas, The Marriage of Figaro
, Don Giovanni,
and Cosi Fan Tutte, were the result of the collaboration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Venetian opera librettist, poet, and defrocked priest, Lorenzo da Ponte
. The da Ponte Project: Making Mozart imagines the conversations that might have taken place between them during this highly creative period.
Sitting with friends and other opera enthusiasts, sipping a glass of merlot, and listening to three of Adelaide's top opera singers working their way through all of your favourite arias, duets, and trios from three operas is a very pleasant way of spending a few hours. It was on a sunny and warm Adelaide winter afternoon that a large group of people hurried along to yet another revival performance of this production. Adelaide music lovers continue to demand to see this production remounted.
It was first presented in 2013, and a revival occurred in 2014. It is back now and, I am sure, it will not be the last time. It needs only the performers, a piano, and the costumes, so it is ideal for a touring production and, in fact, it will seen again next weekend in the Adelaide Hills at Mt Barker.
Soprano, Gisele Blanchard, mezzo soprano, Catriona Barr, and baritone, Mario Bellanova, are all internationally renowned singers who have worked with numerous prestigious companies and, of course, with the State Opera of South Australia, where they have established themselves as audience favourites.
In this joyful production they change characters and costumes in rapid succession to present key moments from each of the operas, with Mozart and da Ponte discussing the operas that they are creating, effectively filling in the gaps with snippets of synopsis. This is a very clever way of presenting the works, building a story within which the operas fit.
The original concept came from Mario Bellanova, with the very accomplished pianist, Jamie Cock, writing all of the arrangements, accompanying the singers, and playing the role of Mozart, and the highly respected opera, music, and theatre critic, singer, and writer, Ewart Shaw, writing the dialogue and playing da Ponte.
This is an impressive group of performers and the combined result of their efforts is a thoroughly delightful presentation that would not only greatly appeal to opera lovers, but also be an ideal introduction to opera for newcomers. If you can, pop up to Mount Barker on the weekend, as it could be a while before they succumb to pressure for yet another season.
The final performance for this season is at the superb Ngeringa Cultural Centre at Mt. Barker Summit at 7:30pm on Saturday 21st May. Book tickets
here.
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