June 2002 - Nr. 6
K-W and Beyond
by Irena Wandschneider
Opera Ontario – "The Pearl Fishers"
The 2001-2002 Opera Ontario season came to an end with the "The Pearl Fishers" performed in Kitchener at the beginning of May. It is an early Bizet opera, staged infrequently, with pleasant melodies, but no arias one would hum after the performance.
The
singers were again excellent. Lyne Fortin, a rare coloratura soprano as high
priestess Leila, Gaetan Laperriere, Canadian baritone as Zurga, and
Ukrainian-born Alexander Savtchenko as Nourabad were the main stars of the
evening. It is so encouraging that Canada produces so many great singers
with potential and future, the stages being inhabited by young and slim
artists. I do remember the times when the fat ladies sang.
"The
Pearl Fishers" opera was beautifully set in Ceylon with a backdrop of
Buddhas, south-Asian towers and tropical nights, created by designer Roberto
Oswald. It always amazes me how it is possible to design such settings – not
just "The Pearl Fishers" but other operas as well – for the sake of 3 or 4
performances, construct them, transport them, set them up and dismantle. It
also applies to the fabulous costumes (designed by Anibal Lapiz) of the main
protagonists and all secondary and even minor background figures. A
phenomenal effort for so few shows. I appreciate and admire it more because
at some point in my life I have been involved in designing costumes and
putting together theatrical shows. The staging effort is immense – but
necessary to correlate to the exceptional performances.
The
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra again came through with great music,
conductor Daniel Lipton leading them with grace and feeling. We are so lucky
to have an opportunity to see and experience such beautiful pieces.
Plans for the Fall
The program for next Fall is now established and offers "La Boheme" by Puccini, "Lakme" by Delibes and "The Daughter of the Regiment" by Donizetti. The usual pre-Christmas Popera will be presented as well.
"La Boheme" hardly needs promoting and I would be surprised if a single performance in Kitchener will be enough. "Lakme" is described by some reviewers as the third of the exotic operas of the late 19th century: the first and second being "Madame Butterfly" and "The Pearl Fishers", all dealing with tragic love stories and dramatic endings. It promises again breath-taking costumes and staging and spectacular voices. "The Daughter of the Regiment" is a delightful story balancing the seriousness of the other two operas, composed by Donizetti, the same who gave us " The Elixir of Love" last Fall. It is expected to be a charming and uplifting story.
The pricing for subscriptions is well-below Toronto levels. Rear balcony sells for as little as $89 for 4 operas, orchestra circle for $249 or $62.50 per performance. And there are several possible price ranges for seats in between. For subscription or tickets telephone 519-578-1570 in Kitchener or 905-526-6556 in Hamilton. Bring your children or grandchildren, come with your spouse or partner, come alone but come and enjoy!
Theatre & Company Summer Camp for Kids
If you have not arranged yet for your children’s Summer activities consider this: our local Theatre & Company is offering 3 one-week sessions for $120 a week in a format of Summer Camp for kids. Not only does it take care of your kids and fills up their time productively, but the camp also educates them, provides experience, leaves them with memories and broadens their horizons in culture and arts. At the end of each week there is a play to be staged, with all the fun and enrichment coming into the lives of your kids. Consider it as an alternative to sports, computer camp or stay-at-home-and-behave approach. Call for details: 51-571-7080 ext 231 and have a great Summer.
Irena Wandschneider
