Haydn and chocolate a merry mix

ARCHIVES will record the first public event in Dunedin’s Hanover Hall included the baking of a chocolate cake!

And indeed on Saturday evening, a very fine cake emerged in a solo performance by mezzosoprano Claire Barton, who multitasked her way through a 20minute cooking demonstration, vocalising operatically, accompanied by pianist David Burchell.

This short comic opera Bon Appetit, written by Lee Hoiby with libretto straight from American TV cook Julia Childs’ popular cooking shows of last century, was full of humour, genuine ingredients, and astute colourful piano accompaniment to match. Barton looked the part, meticulously explaining each step of the recipe with vocal enthusiasm, advising on the importance of sifting ingredients, roomtemperature eggs and tempering chocolate, and testing the consistency of handbeaten egg whites by inverting the bowl above her head.

Joseph Haydn wrote many short opera buffa works. La Canterina (The Young Diva), composed for his employer’s birthday in 1766, has a typical operatic libretto of love, bribery and unfortunate overhearing of conversations.

The hourlong work was wellpaced, with excellent string quartet accompaniment. Gasparina the diva, Beth Goulstone, and tenor Harry Grigg, who plays her teacher and benefactor, both study voice in Dunedin, and outstanding vocal and acting performances in this production are a tribute to their determination in developing vocal careers.

Grigg’s impassioned interpretation as he demonstrated the sentiment of a new aria to his pupil, and Gasparina’s facial bewilderment, created continual humour.

James Burchell played a nonsinging bailiff and experienced opera performers Lois Johnston (trouserrole Don Ettore) and Claire Barton (Apollonia) cemented the success of a professional performance.

Production was by The Little Box of Operas and both operettas were directed by Jenny Burchell.

Tessa Peterson, Nathaniel Otley (violins), Katrina Sharples (viola) and Elaine Wilden (cello) formed the quartet.

This enjoyable operatic entertainment will be performed in Cromwell next Saturday and Roxburgh on Sunday.