November, 2005 - Nr. 11
K-W & Beyond
Irena Syrokomla
Opera Ontario – Romčo et Juliette by Charles Gounod
The 2005-06 season for Opera Ontario opened in Hamilton Place and Kitchener’s Centre in the Square in October, and it was a great presentation! Since it is not frequently staged – as is Carmen, Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, La Boheme or Faust - you may not have had an opportunity to see it, even if you are a devoted opera fan. Therefore it is a special privilege to have it staged in our region, and with such great soloists and impressive directing.
Romčo et Juliette, the story of the tragic young lovers, is well known, and this opera does not add anything new to the Shakespearian story of the hate between two of Verona’s families, the doomed love, and the tragic death. The main parts were sung by Laura Whalen (Juliette), her magnificent coloratura soprano carrying the long arias without apparent effort, John Bellemer (Romeo) a very lyrical tenor making a debut in Opera Ontario, Alexander Dobson (Mercutio) a baritone to match Eric Shaw’s (Tybalt) tenor, and Bruce Kelly as Le Comte Capulet. Special recognition is due to the magnificent bass-baritone (do I ever enjoy those deep low voices, not that many around) of Thomas Goerz singing the parts of Frčre Laurent and Le Duc. I continue to be impressed with the talent of young opera singers, their voices and their acting skills to boot. The younger, slimmer generation with very powerful voices is here to be appreciated and this performance was proof of it.
The overall performance gives much credit to Kelly Robinson, the director and choreographer. The arrangement of the scenes, the choreography of the fights, and above all, the acting of the soloists, was very impressive.
The scenery and the costumes came from l’Opera de Montreal, as it is understandably impossible to produce such numerous and impressive stage sets just for 4 or 5 performances in southwestern Ontario. The costumes of the renaissance era were beautiful, as were the stage sets.
Altogether it was a great evening! We are indeed fortunate to have had this opportunity of attending high quality opera right in our own community. Looking ahead to next performances –note that Popera Grande is scheduled for the end of November both in Hamilton and in Kitchener. This promises more spectacular voices and quite a selection of different melodies and soloists.
Tickets are still available at Hamilton Place or the Centre in the Square. Enjoy!
