Directed by
Peter Colman-wright – Conducted by Luke Spicer
Designed by
Monique Langford – Technical and Lighting Design by Mark Dyson.
Choreographed
by Jodi Ann Hammond, Christina Philipp and Belinda Hassall.
Presented by
National Opera, Llewellyn Hall- December 8th & 10th.
Reviewed by Bill Stephens
It was something of a minor miracle that the opening night of National Opera’s ambitious production of George Frideric Handel’s 1735 masterpiece “Alcina” turned out to be the triumph that it was, given the many setbacks overcome, including the sudden loss of the advertised conductor during rehearsals, and a principal singer having to withdraw due to Covid.
Like many
operas of the period, “Alcina” has a long, complicated, inconsequential plot
involving magic spells, animal transformations, love, deception and redemption,
but in this case interwoven with a succession of beautiful arias, written to be
staged at the time in a series of lavish tableau.
Working with
a limited budget, director Peter Coleman-Wright wisely decided to prioritise
the music over lavish presentation, gathering together a cast of some of
Australia’s finest exponents of the music of Handel, to be accompanied by the
Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
He sought
out a clever young emerging designer to design a stripped back production to
enhance the limited theatrical facilities available in Llewellyn Hall, and
provided the opportunity for local singers and dancers to experience working at
a professional level.
It was after
her performances in “Alcina” in La Fenice in Venice that Dame Joan Sutherland
was given the title of La Stupenda. These performances of “Alcina” were dedicated
to Dame Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge, and a small exhibition, featuring
some gowns worn by Dame Joan, together with photographs of her in the costumes
and makeup she wore in the Robert Helpmann production for the Australian Opera,
was set up in the Llewellyn Hall foyer.
To add to
the sense of occasion Richard Bonynge had accepted National Opera’s invitation
to attend the opening night performance.
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| Rachelle Durkin (Morgana) - Emma Matthews (Alina) in National Opera's "Alcina" |
The roles of
Alcina and her wayward sister, Morgana, were performed by Emma Matthews and
Rachelle Durkin. This was quite a coup
for National Opera because neither singer has been seen in opera on this side
of Australia for some time.
Emma
Matthews is currently head of Classical Voice and Opera Studies at the West
Australian Academy of Performing Arts, while Rachelle Durkin has recently
returned to Australia after establishing a major international career
performing throughout North America, Europe and Australasia.
 |
| Emma Matthews as Alcina in National Opera's production of "Alcina". |
In superb
voice, Matthews brought an imperious presence to her role, acting with
confidence and commanding the stage on every appearance. Her renditions of Alcina’s
complicated arias where spellbinding in their virtuosity and authority.
Similarly Rachelle Durkin also sang superbly, especially the showpiece aria, “Tonami a Vagheggiar”, injecting a winning playfulness into her interpretation of Morgana’s tempestuous nature.
 |
| Russell Harcourt as Ruggiero in National Opera's "Alcina" |
Counter
tenor, Russell Harcourt, thrilled with his beautiful rich vocal tone and
thoughtful characterisation as Ruggiero, the reluctant object of Alcina’s
affection, and although saddled with an unfortunate costume, John Longmuir impressed
with his rich tenor voice and strong presence as Oronte, the mischief-making
lover of Morgana. Also not faring much better in the costume department, Judd
Arthur, with his commanding bass-baritone voice brought added gravitas to his
role as Melisso.
 |
| Emma Matthews (Alcina) - Katrina Wiseman (Oberto) in National Opera's "Alcina" |
Local
soprano, Katrina Wiseman, sparkled with her confident singing as the young boy
Oberto, especially in her scene when she defies Alina’s command to kill a lion,
which turns out to be her father. Standing in for the Covid-stricken Sally-Anne
Russell, and singing side-stage while Zsuzsi Sobosia walked the role of
Bradamante, Cassandra Seidemann revealed a lovely warm soprano voice.
Though they
had little to do, the ensemble achieved a rich vibrant sound, and the six
dancers added a welcome visual element to the production.
 |
| Monique langford's setting for National Opera's production of "Alcina" |
Monique
Langford’s elegant stage design of soaring draperies and tasteful multi-level
rostra provided an elegant setting for the action. But although her costumes
for Alcina and Morgana were quite lovely and her choice of neutral toned
costumes for the ensemble and dancers worked well, her costumes for the male
principals were unflattering to the point of distraction, but might have been
improved had they been ironed.
 |
| Jud Arthur (Melisso) - ZsuZsi Sobosia (walking Bradamante) - Rachelle Durkin (Morgana) - John Longmuir (Oronte) in National Opera's "Alcina". |
Stepping in
at short notice, Luke Spicer conducted with confidence and flair, taking advantage
of the superb acoustics of Llewellyn Hall to achieve an excellent balance
between orchestra and singers.
So, despite the setbacks, the jittery stage management and first night nerves preventing the perfect performance everyone was aiming for, National Opera’s production of “Alcina” was still a major triumph for the company and all concerned, for providing an evening of superb singing of a quality rarely achieved, and one which will be cherished by those lucky enough to have experienced it.
Images by Peter Hislop
This review also published in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. www.artsreview.com.au.
