Review: Pinchgut Opera revives Vivaldi’s Bajazet
Pinchgut Opera’s presentation of Vivaldi’s Bajazet is pure joy. Wonderfully murderous joy. Their revival of this Vivaldi gem is perfect, with an ensemble cast providing an exceptional display of young operatic talent. The opera tells the tale of Tamerlano who, victorious in war against Bajazet, holds Bajazet and his daughter Asteria prisoner. The plot follows a tale of love, betrayal, death, without becoming another overwrought opera. Never overdoing the emotion of the storyline, the singing and staging convey the right level of anguish.
Tamerlano threatens Asteria. (c) Keith Saunders
Special mention has to go to counter-tenors Christopher Lowrey and Russell Harcout, playing the roles of Tamerlano and Andronico respectively. Their performances of roles originally written for a female voice or a castrato are remarkable and provide a wonderful contrast to the baritone of Bajazet, performed by Hadleigh Adams, and the violence of the libretto.
The staging adds to the intimate feeling of the opera, being simply done so that it never distracts from the performance of the singers and musicians who sit in front of stage, instead of in the pit as you get in a traditional opera house.
A few words about Pinchgut Opera company for those yet to see a production. They are in many ways the antithesis of Opera Australia. They are a chamber opera company, presenting unloved, rarely performed operas. The venue’s acoustics generally do justice to the magnificent performances from The Orchestra of the Antipodes and the singers, however there are moments where the venue is not entirely ideal. As delightful as it is to be able to see the orchestra perform, seated as they are in front of the stage, creating an intimate, chamber effect, there is an impact on the acoustics. Occasionally during a particularly dramatic scene where singers and musicians are in full swing they seem to cancel each other out. It’s made particularly noticeable as when there is no competition for the audience’s ears the sound is clearer and louder.
Pinchgut Opera is a reminder of the young talent out there and they present opera in a way that can still excite and surprise the most jaded of opera goers. I’m already looking forward to their December performances.
All seating at City Recital Hall is easily accessible regardless of mobility.
Bajazet runs til Wednesday the 8th of July at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place
Tickets on sale here
Price: $30 for restricted view, or from $90 for adults. Seniors, concessions and under 27s tickets also available
Pinchgut Opera will be putting on a production of L’Amant Jaloux in December
Subscriptions for next year open on 22 July 2015