IN THE space of one 18th century day, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart takes us through a roller-coaster ride of lust, subterfuge and poignant love in one of the world’s favourite operas.
The season of The Marriage of Figaro, performed by the NBR New Zealand Opera accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, opened at Aotea Centre last Thursday night.
The opera is high farce and the energetic portrayal of the characters by the cast, coupled with helpful surtitles, draws considerable mirth from the audience. A strong performance by real-life husband and wife team New Zealand bass Wade Kernot (Figaro) and Australian soprano Emma Pearson (Susanna) provides the anchor around which a complicated plot is woven.
Celebrated Italian soprano Nuccia Foclie, who plays the Countess Almaviva, provides some of the most spellbinding moments with poignant arias lamenting the loss of her happiness with her philandering husband.
Fellow Italian Riccardo Novaro, as Count Almaviva, is an entertaining foil, see-sawing from pompous chauvinist to contrite lover.
Many of the laughs come from a vibrant performance by 2000 Malvina Major Emerging Artist Wendy Dawn Thompson, who plays the adorable page Cherubino, who has declared his love for all women. Thanks to the contemporary surtitles, we learn that the Count considers him a “brat”.
In 21st century terms, the performance provides the uninitiated with a rollicking good introduction to the musical genius of the composer Mozart, aided by an exuberant performance by the supporting cast and team of orchestral musicians.
The production is directed by Aidan Lang, while orchestral conductor Lionel Friend takes the baton.
