Second Proms Concert Of Operatic Character

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29767, 9 March 1962, Page 15

Second Proms Concert Of Operatic Character

The promenade concert in the Civic Theatre last evening was of an operatic character. It began with the National Orchestra playing Rossini’s overture to the “Seige of Corinth”—a bravura work which after a dull beginning worked up to a considerable state of excitement.

Mr Jon Andrew, well known from his singing in the fast opera season here, sang “Celeste Aida” by Verdi, and “Cielo e Mar" by Ponchielli. He has a tenor voice of true operatic character and power. He sang in English and his enunciation was clear. However, it is necessary that singers should endeavour to give the correct accentuation to English words—not always an easy thing to do in a translation —and Mr Andrew should take more care of words which have a “feminine ending.” His phrasing generally was inclined to be rather bumpy. The orchestra played Wagner’s “Forest Murmurs” from “Siegefried” most expressively. and Mr John Hopkins drew pleasing sounds from the players and created a gripping atmosphere. It was very neatly played.

Miss Elizabeth Hellawell, who has an operatic soprano voice of considerable power and brilliance, sang “Ritorna Vincitor” from “Aida,” and "Merce, Dilette Amiche” from “I Vespri Sicilian!.” Her singing was flexible and cleverly phrased, but her enunciation was not clear.

The first part of the programme ended with “Kolo” from "Ero the Joker” by Jakov Golovac, a Jugoslav composer. This was highly attractive music, played with plenty of elan. The orchestration was rich and always clear, and the playing was strongly rhythmical and very exciting. This was the most interesting work on the programme. It worked up to a grand climax, and it seemed

that Ero was a “very noisy joker.” Miss Hellawell and Mr Andrew sang two duets by Puccini in ' the second part of the programme. Their voices blended most pleasingly. The very attractive resonance in Mr Andrew’s voice was heard to advantage in “Your Tiny Hand is Frozen” but the orchestra seemed to be rather too heavy

sometimes. Miss Hellawell Sang “They Call Me Mimi” with artistic expression. Both singers received an ovation from the audience for their singing of this deservedly popular music.

The duet “Tu Tu Amore" from “Manon Lescauit” made stronger demands vocally, which were well met. The fiercely passionate nature of the music was fully realised in the performance. The programme ended with three dances from “The Bartered Bride,” by Smetana. This was also excellent “prom” fare. Jolly music it was and played with spirited eclat and excellent precision. The pleasing lilt, the joyous melodies, and the rousing climaxes all made for a grand ending to a very popular programme. There will be concerts by the National Orchestra this evening and tomorrow evening. —C.F.B.