Opera at Bearwood has built a reputation for presenting high-quality operatic productions with an equally high-calibre cast and orchestra. The Magic Flute was no exception.
From the rousing overture to the triumphant finale the audience was enthralled by the story that unfolded before them.
A fantastic plot set in a mythical land, The Magic Flute contains all the ingredients of a good story: love and loss, good versus evil with plenty of humour along the way.
The princess, Pamina, (Lucinda Scott) communicated a whole range of emotions with the most beautiful soprano voice and the Prince (Mark Bassett) was suitably charming throughout.
The performance had a great number of highlights.
The Magic Flute is famous for The Queen of the Night aria, requiring the soprano soloist to reach the third F above middle C. Elizabeth Fulleylove did this to perfection, to the breath-taking delight of the audience.
Papageno (Julian Chou-Lambert) made this role his own with some laugh-out-loud comedy moments, his rich baritone solos a real pleasure to experience.
Several sections of the opera were performed in beautiful three-part harmony. The Queen’s three ladies provided a sinister presence, their acting as effective as their singing.
The three spirits were played by three local young choristers who sang angelically and appeared to be loving every moment.
Wokingham is very fortunate to have such high-quality opera available on its doorstep.
Visit the group’s website www.operaatbearwood.org.uk for details of future performances.
Judith Creighton
