LOCAL BULLETIN

Music review

Bizet’s Pearl Fishers is right up the street of Opera Bohemia, writes Garry Fraser.

It nestles snugly in the lap of this talented ensemble – one set, few principal parts and a brevity that leaves one asking for more.

But those who thought it carried only one melody of note should reconsider. Au Fond du Temple Saint is deservedly up there in the top 10 operatic favourites but Bizet includes much other music that is equally high in quality.

Those who attended Saturday’s performance in the Whitehall Theatre in Dundee and who had never heard the Bohemians before would have been surprised by the quality on show.

However, I have experienced them many times and am convinced they are at the forefront of operatic touring companies.

Strong principals and vibrant and enthusiastic ensemble singing are parts of their DNA and if you add crisp direction, uncluttered production and fine musical directorship, every box is ticked for an excellent night at the opera.

The three main protagonists in the opera, Leila, Zurga and Nadir, were excellent, strong in characterisation, powerful in delivery and handling some tough passages with more than just a drop of class.

Douglas Nairne (Zurga) and Thomas Kinch (Nadir) gave a marvellous and potent delivery of the famous duet and left nothing to be desired in any aria, recit or interaction before or after.

As Leila, the other point in that love triangle, Monica McGhee was, quite simply, a stunning sensation, a sort of femme fatale with grace and elegance. Michael Mackinnon completed a fine foursome as Nourabad.

Excellent stuff, capped by superb violin/piano accompaniment by Kirsty Orton and Geoffrey Tanti.