Congratulations are certainly in order for the young singers of the Cape Town Opera Studio and the University of Cape Town Opera School, who opened last night with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.
A satire in its day, the plot is a convoluted courtroom labyrinth of intrigue, disguises, and mistaken identities. Everyone is reduced to foolishness by their jealousy, suspicions and lust, though the women come out tops, in the singing too.
Dramatically talented, the casting is notably on the mark and the performances balance well.
George Stevens, as the cunning servant Figaro, apparently has started with the winter’s flu, but he pulled off the night with sterling composure. Amos Nomnabo, as his master the roguish Count Amalviva, may not always have the vocal power, but is more than capable.
The female rôles get the best of Mozart’s lyrical beauty. Soprano Zandile Gwebityala as Figaro’s great love Susanna and Noluthando Mili as her rival Marcellina are delightful in their bitchy duet. Sophie Harmsen as the young page Cherubino (a soprano part) was at first a little shrill in the aria ‘Non sò più cosa son’, but settled well. Pretty Yende is a find and as Contessa Almaviva her show stopping aria ‘Dove sono i bei momenti’ did exactly that.
The sprightly Kamal Khan conducts the University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra.
With this Figaro New York City-based Chuck Hudson has made an excellent directorial debut with Cape Town Opera. This is a wonderful, lively production to be recommended. Go and see, it closes on Saturday.
