IF Opera scored yet another triumph with a stirring production of Iolanta, the 11th and last opera that Pyotr Tchaikovsky composed.
The libretto was written by the composer's brother Modest Tchaikovsky for this one act lyric opera which was sung in Russian in a performance that lasted around 105 minutes.
Performed at the Wiltshire Music Centre, the production tells the fairytale of a blind princess Iolanta, who is unaware of her disability as all those who care for her manage to keep it secret.
The daughter of King Rene of Provenance, she is betrothed at birth to a man she has never met, Robert, Duke of Burgundy.
She lives a secluded life, cared for by Martha and Bertrand, and her two maid-servants, Brigitta and Laura, until their peace and quiet is disturbed by the Duke and his companion, Count Vaudemont.
On the same day, the King arrives with the physician Ebn-Hakia, who claims he can cure the princess of her blindness.
But there is one condition, the Princess needs to be told she is blind, for she can only be healed if she has the desire to be.
The scene is set for an opera which depicts the utopia of a world in which love prevails, light shines for all, lies are no longer necessary and no-one must fear punishment.
The most impressive performance of the evening was that of the Russian musical artist Alexey Gusev, playing the role of the Duke, who has a superb baritone voice and is certainly a talent to watch in the future.
Aidan Smith as King Rene has powerful and rich bass voice, while Robert Forrest's Count Vaudemont is full of emotional range.
Dan D’Souza’s physician feels slightly cold and detached, while Scottish soprano Monica McGhee gives a sensitive and engaging performance in the title role Iolanta, feeling her way across the stage and not quite sure of who is in the room.
Other roles are played by Jospeh Buckmaster as Almeric, Emyr Wyn Jones as Bertrand, Rebecca Afonwy-Jones as Martha, Lara Marie Muller as Brigitta and Bethany Horak-Hallett as Laura.
The chorus joins the lead roles for a final glorious aria – a thrilling sound which filled the WMC auditorium and produced a fitting climax to Tchaikovsky’s score.
Conductor Paul Wingfield draws a lovely performance from the small orchestra, who played from the right-hand side of the stage.
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