Conductor: Peter Walls NZOM
Soloists: Joanna Foote, Allison Harker, Tomairangi Henare
Principal Bassoon: Jessica Goldbaum
Clarence St Theatre was packed to the gunwales for NZ Opera and Opus Orchestra’s collaboration “Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!” produced for the Hamilton Arts Festival. The audience appeared in their Sunday best, and it was obvious there is an appetite for classical music in Kirikiriroa.
Conductor Peter Walls oversaw the 39-piece orchestra and three soloists in this abridged version of The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The composition of Figaro followed The Barber of Seville, and it was only right that excerpts from Paiseillo’s and Rossini’s versions of Seville preceded Mozart’s Figaro in the performance.
Translations of the lyrics were projected above the orchestra, and they were written in a modern vernacular that garnered many laughs from the auditorium.
Soprano Joanna Foote, a Master’s in Music graduate of UCLA, appeared as the role of Susanna. Foote was an absolute delight, and she delivered a superb performance with her striking soprano voice.
Allison Harker, the GM of Opus Orchestra, had a warm mezzo-soprano voice that was effortless across the range. She played both Rosina and Cherubino, the latter a breeches role that also showcased her diversity as an actor.
Tomairangi Henare held the crowd captive with his marvelous baritone and natural wit. Recently graduated from Victoria University and NZ Opera School, Henare was confident and entertaining in the role of Figaro. This rising star is one to watch.
All three vocalists voices filled the theatre without the need for microphones. Diction was exemplary, and their antics amusing.
Following the interval, Principal Bassoonist Jessica Goldbaum performed Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto K. 191 – Andante ma Adagio. This piece is Mozart’s only surviving original bassoon concerto. Lyrical and soulful, Goldbaum performed it splendidly with dexterity and passion. Goldbaum had to return for a second bow, such was the extent of the applause.
Peter Walls was an amiable conductor who appeared to thoroughly enjoy leading the accomplished orchestra. Walls even tickled the ivories adding an instrument* that would have sat perfectly within a performance attended by Mozart himself.
NZ Opera and Opus Orchestra produced an accessible work that did not require previous knowledge of the music or storyline. To Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! I say Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
*Initially I thought was a spinet but do not want to misname it. Someone please let me know. 😊
Photograph credit: Richard Lummus
This was an outstanding concert. Opus Orchestra has again proven that is can hold its own with the other regional orchestras in Aotearoa. It is annoying that Creative NZ constantly ignore this. I hope that this collaboration with NZ opera becomes an annual event in Kirikiriroa. Quality classical concerts are clearly welcomed in the Waikato.