OPERA REVIEW: TOSCA

REVIEWED BY JASON STEVENS

THERE are a few things that I do not want to hear when I go to the opera: tenors that crack, overblown orchestras that drown out the singers and English (unless, of course, it’s written in English).

Unfortunately, I heard all of these things on the opening night of Melbourne Opera’s production of Puccini’s Tosca.

Set in Napoleonic Rome, Tosca features two of Puccini’s most passionate tenor arias Strange Harmony of Contrasts and The Stars Were Brightly Shining as well as the famous soprano aria Vissi d’arte.

Tosca is a big biscuit to chew for any opera company. It is a huge role for the lead soprano (the only female role in the whole production), it has a number of very well-known arias and a long history of performances by some of the most renowned singers in recent history.

Though a brave attempt with many strong points, the Melbourne Opera production offers a fresh perspective on the well-known opera, with some choices more successful than others.

The Athenaeum Theatre is an odd space for an opera to be performed in, namely because visibility from different parts of the theatre is poor. Though Melbourne Opera does offer affordable ticket prices, modern audiences do not want a restricted view at any point.

It also leads to some difficulties with the orchestra. On the whole, the orchestra was passable but there were late entries and passages that were so loud that it was impossible to hear the singers.

The singing was mixed. Antionette Halloran has a wonderful voice and her Vissi d’arte (or as sung in the production — “I lived for my art”) was a joy to hear. Gary Rowley has a great bass baritone voice and the Te deum of the first act was a highlight (as it should be).

It’s a pity he chose to play Baron Scarpia as a pantomime villain. Adrian Mceniery was a disappointment as Cavaradossi. All night he seemed to be struggling with the music, with an uncomfortable crack in the first act.

While Melbourne Opera prides itself on making its production more accessible by performing in English, it was the concept of singing in English that I found so difficult to digest. Surely, that’s what surtitles and synopses are for?

Hearing Italian Opera in English is as disconcerting as imagining Gilbert and Sullivan in German.

Having said this, the fact that Melbourne Opera is the only professional opera company in Australia to regularly tour regional centres in Victoria, as well as bringing opera to Tasmania and the ACT is to be applauded.

Perhaps the greatest strength of this company is that opens the ears and eyes of country audiences to the rich world of opera.

Tosca will be performed at the Canberra Theatre Centre on October 17, at 8pm. Tickets:$21- $89. Bookings: (02) 6275 2700; www.canberratheatre.com.au. It will show in Hobart at the Theatre Royal on November 14, at 8pm. Tickets: $30-$75. Bookings: (03) 6233 2299, www.theatreroyal.com.au.