Opera Australia – Sydney Opera House 6th
July – 31st August 2013
Performance
16th July 2013 reviewed by Bill Stephens
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| Alexia Voulgaridou as Tosca Yonghoon Lee as Cavaradossi Photo: Prudence Upton |
John Bell
has devised a highly dramatic production of Puccini’s "Tosca" which
he has set in Mussolini’s Italy during World War 11. The setting works
remarkably well. Michael Scott-Mitchell has designed towering stage settings,
particularly for Act 1, and the stunning Greek soprano Alexia Voulgaridou makes
an impressive Opera Australia debut in the role of Floria Tosca.
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| Alexia Voulgaridou as Tosca Yonghoon Lee as Cavaradossi Photo: Prudence Upton |
Voulgaridou
is fascinating in the role, with an idiosyncratic acting style that takes a
little getting used to. Skittish, even irritating, in the first act, as indeed
Tosca should be, she’s a diva after all, by the time the opera reaches the second
act, when she makes her entrance in a beautiful gown designed by Teresa
Negroponte, she is spellbinding. It is
enthralling to watch her bargain with Scarpia, a magnificently loathsome John
Wegner, when her body language is at odds with what she is actually saying.
Korean tenor
Yonghoon Lee, also in his first Opera Australia performances, is convincing as
the young, passionate artist Cavaradossi with a clear ringing Italianate tenor
sound. David Park is impressive as Angelotti in the first act, where John
Bolton, as the Sacristan, is a lesson in how to make the most of a small role.
As you
would expect from John Bell, all the special moments are beautifully staged,
and he has provided particularly strong visual endings for each of the three
acts, particularly the final act when the audience is left gasping at the sight
of Tosca hanging lifeless from the barbed wire parapet. Special icing on the
cake was provided by conductor, Christian Badea who ensured his orchestra was
in absolute simpatico with the mood of the production.
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| John Wegner as Baron Scapia Photo: Prudence Upton |
This
production runs at the Sydney Opera house until the end of August, but on the 4th
August, Sheryl Barker will take over the role of Tosca and Diego Torre will be
Cavaradossi, and it will be fascinating to see them both in this production.
Of particular
interest to Canberra audiences is the fact that Canberra Symphony Orchestra
conductor, Nicholas Milton will take over the conducting of “Tosca” from 4th
to 31st August.
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| John Bolton Wood (centre) as the Sacristan Photo: Prudence Upton |
