"Barber” Delightful

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32251, 20 March 1970, Page 16

"Barber” Delightful

The New Zealand Opera Company again enhanced its already very good reputation with last evening’s performance of Rossini’s “Barber of Seville.” The Majestic Theatre was well filled for the .performance; and the audience gave the soloists, the chorus and the orchestra enthusiastic applause at the end of a delightful evening’s entertainment.

The settings were pleasing, especially the interior of Dr Bartolo’s house. This scene remained for a long time, but the eye did not tire of it and it gave a warm background to all that was so pleasantly enacted. The costumes, too, were well in keeping with the tasteful presentation. There was an excellent cast, with all the singers being well equipped vocally and in acting ability. George Metcalfe, as Count Almaviva, had a robust operatic tenor voice which also had considerable lyric charm. His impersonation of the singing master in Act 111 was one of the delights of the evening. He sang the two famous tenor arias in Act I with charming expertise. This opera seems to have its best arias within the first few minutes. The Largo al. Factotum is right there at the beginning and was sung with brio and excellent technique by John Hauxvell who made a dashing and most satisfying Figaro. In voice and in flexible stagecraft he held attention and gave great pleasure throughout the work.

Malvina Major has a lovely I voice, round, rich and charmingly flowing. She brought a rare grace to the part of Rosina which she interpreted with experienced skill. It must be said that in the company of such excellent artists, the work of Grant Dickinson as Dr Bartolo was quite outstanding. His acting was of very high quality and his ringing voice was more than adequate for every demand. The famous shaving scene between him and John Hauxvell was extremely funny. Rodney Macann’s vibrant voice was well matched with his acting in the party of Dr Basilio. Dorothy Hitch and Craig Pollock did well in the small parts of Berta and the Captain. The chorus, although not called upon for much, gave of its best and sang accept-

I ably. The ensemble singing by the principals was of a high degree of excellence. They kept balance and sang with first-class precision. High praise must be given to the Civic Orchestra, led by Louis Yffer, for its pleasing tonal qualities, good balance, and rhythmic flow. It was colourful playing of a by no means easy score, and contributed much to the enjoyment of the performance. The musical director was Gerald Krug. He conducted with fine finesse, choosing excellent tempi, and realising every fine point of expression. His conducting was always at the service of the singers in the support he gave, and he gave the whole show an appealing and convincing unity. There was drive without forcing, and close attention to detail without pedantic strain.— C.F.B.