Review: SEEKERS OF LOST ARIAS at Wroclaw Opera

Usually when we come to the opera we see the action, impressive scenery, dancers, singers, we hear the orchestra. Music guides and changes perception. It's so good sometimes to break the order and see who's behind it.

During that exceptional night Musicians were on the stage, we could look and them as they looked at their stands, they were focused, we could see the expressions on their faces, how their bodies moved. On daily basis they are responsible for the core of the opera, and usually completely invisible escape our attention. It is a great treasure to see their work and commitment, which this time did not come from under the stage, but was at our fingertips, in front of our eyes. This concert was kind of paying tribute to the musicians and they deserve a deep bow for all the musical effort they bring every day.

At first, it may seem challenging to watch musicians playing for two hours, but their stage movement was second to none. The finesse of the moving strings, the movements of their bodies, the change of the cards with the notes, the expressive threefold and the balancing of the instruments (which you could finally see!) was a real treat. Instruments were one of the main characters of the evening. Their movements were not strictly choreographed, but created an energetic picture. With no surprise conductor Bassem Akiki was fantastic as usual and led the musicians lightly.

After reveling in the image, let's move on to what was heard. Beautiful, forgotten, mysterious and unknown arias. I learned a lot that evening and discovered pieces that I couldn't know. The concert listed the repertoire of not the most popular composers, such as Franciszek Mirecki, Konstanty Gorski or Henryk Jarecki and I can definitely say that after this concert my appetite for the unknown increased. The repertoire was selected in such a way that the voices of the soloists, Joanna Zawartko, Szymon Mechlinski, Piotr Buszewski could resound spectacularly, releasing unbelievable tones of their voices.

My favorite piece (and apparently not only mine) was from the opera "Pan Wołodyjowski" based on, yes, yes, Sienkiewicz's works composed by Henryk Skirmunt. The incredible musical dynamics, surprising changes in pace and mood as well as the mass of emotions conveyed by the singers made me want to see this work in its entirety one day.

The formula of the independent works also allowed the audience to react vividly and spontaneously, and the audience eagerly vented their delight. There was energy, vitality, youth and love for art in the room. What more could you want? Does it sound even better if I add educational inserts about opera and anecdotes about the creators? Or maybe the engaged expression of the singers and the sparkling sequin jacket of the conductor? Opera can be young and for young people. Don't waste next golden opportunity to find it out.

Photo Tomasz Golla

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