Festival Theatre, Malvern – 5th February 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
I was fortunate enough to catch several Ellen Kent Productions last year and absolutely loved all of them. So, with enormous anticipation, I awaited their first of 2023; Verdi’s Aida.
Set in Biblical times, Rademès (an Egyptian military commander) has fallen in love with Aida (a captured Ethiopian Princess) who returns his affection. The Pharaoh’s daughter is also in love with Rademès, further complicating things and (to make matters far worse) the Ethiopian King is about to invade Egypt…
The curtain opened to a set of impressive grandeur. It was grande yet also cleverly economical in its minimalism (transforming into different spaces with the addition of a few props). Equally sumptuous were the lush costumes conveying the opulence of the Pharaoh’s palace.
Aida (Olga Perrier) soared. Not just performing, she was living the role – her acting was that good. And, of course, opera is both singing and acting. She conveyed all the anguish, heartbreak and visceral ordeal of her situation with breathtaking assurance and authenticity. From her fist solo aria “Return a conqueror!” to her final scene, she absolutely shone. What a star and what a voice!!!
Her rival, Princess Amneris (Natalia Matveeva), was wrought with both a sinister charm and tender longing in a highly nuanced performance. I enjoyed this detailed portrayal. She was extremely affecting in the aria “Alas .. I feel death”, in which you truly felt for her; being torn between duty and love.
Our leading man, Rademes (Vitalii Liskovetskyi) had a commanding presence coupled with just the right level of tenderness to portray this military figure in all situations. The scenes with him and each love rival were thoroughly believable and I really loved those with Aida.
A sublime cast gave their all, including every superb soloist. The chorus is to be marveled at; both male and female choruses blending to perfection to produce a sonorous beauty which heightened every scene they graced.
Verdi threw everything but the kitchen sink into this opera and tonight’s production did not disappoint in presenting a spectacle. You don’t often see ballet in operas and tonight’s was both lovely and provided some light counterpoint to relieve the tension. You also don’t expect to see a glitter cannon (kitchen sink indeed).
The Ukrainian Opera orchestra were deftly conducted with power and precision by Vasyl Vasylenko, giving us a sparkling reading of the score. They had a light touch when needed and a weight when the action demanded, carrying the onstage action along on gloriously emotional sonic waves.
Verdi’s music was used by Italian nationalists to fight for the freedom of their land from under an oppressive invading overlord so (after this barnstorming performance) it was inevitable that the Ukrainian National anthem should be sung even more heartily than usual (and not just from the stage) and the national flag should receive rousing applause. Emotional times.
A standing ovation and thunderous applause was exactly what this fantastic performance deserved. Another absolute triumph from this magnificent company! I cannot wait for their next visit (with La Boheme). Do yourself a favour and don’t miss it.