Mozart opera concert

Press, 7 October 1987, Page 23

Mozart opera concert

Academy Opera will present a concert performance of Mozart’s “Idomeneo” in the Catholic Cathedral on Saturday at 8.15 p.m. The opera was originally commissioned for performance during the Munich carnival season of 1781. It was Mozart’s eleventh stage work, b.ut the first to offer him the scope for a large scale serious opera. The story is of Idomeneo, King of Crete, who, finding his life at risk during a storm at sea, makes a pact with the god Neptune. If the god will

spare his life, Idomeneo will sacrifice the first person he meets on shore. As the King sets foot on dry land, he is greeted by his son.

The dilemma is eventually resolved, but not without intrigue, jealousy, misunderstandings and finally the intervention of Neptune himself. An experienced cast has been assembled for this performance. Peter Williams sings the part of the guilt-ridden and elderly Idomeneo. The role of his son, originally written for a castrato, is taken by Judy Belling-

ham. This follows modem performance practice, and the part has been sung by many famous contemporary sopranos and mezzos. Barbara Walton sings the role of Ilia, and Jillian Bartram is cast as Elettra. Neptune is the bass, Howard Harvey. The Jubilate Singers, led by their musical director, Martin Setchell, will sing as the opera chorus. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will accompany the opera. David Vine, Academy Opera’s musical director, will conduct the performance.