So what have Eddie Murphy and the Welsh National Opera got in common? Give in? I’ll tell you – the famous music at the beginning of his movie “Trading Places” is the overture to The Marriage of Figaro presented tonight by Welsh National Opera. See? We’re all connected in little ways and it only goes to show the manner in which Mozart has permeated our cultural DNA on nearly every level. I’m sure there are many other examples of his music seeping into films, TV and commercials, because they are a) cracking tunes and b) out of copyright. Mozart took up his quill in 1786 to match his music to the words of the eccentric Lorenzo Da Ponte (who himself deserves an opera all about his life) and between them presented a solid gold, 100% perfect classic full of melodies you don’t know you know but you do. Based on the play Beaumarchais (itself a palpable hit in its day) the opera has been a integral part of the musical canon for centuries. So when WNO, one of the best opera companies we know, takes up the challenge/cudgel/baton we’re clearly in for a treat.
And, despite a craned neck from reading the surtitles, it certainly proved a sizzling and fizzling production of fun and frolics. Ralph Koltai’s shabby chic sets encompass a vibrant and playful cast led by Michael Mofidian whose duet tones hug each note, Christina Gnash (as Susanna) sultry and strong and Harriet Eyley as the engaging and endearing Cherubino with a clear sense of fun and humour. Wyn Pencarreg, Monika Sawa, Giorgio Caoduro all embellish the piece with aplomb and style. What strikes me most is how the piece has retained and maintained its comic value for the last few centuries and the sense of confusion and boarder-line farce still work and still get laughs.
The splendid full orchestra pull out all the stops and the Hippodrome pull out most of the seats to accommodate them. The stalls started on row E! But it was worth it. The soaring melodies swirling around us like a murmuration of birds as we sat entranced and enchanted by musicians at their peak under the watchful baton of the energetic and precise Kerem Hasan. But it’s impossible to talk of this company without giving due respect to the essential, pivotal epicentre at its core – the Chorus. With buoyant bravado and glorious Welsh choral power they are the harmonic creme de la creme with a sound which comes deep from the valleys and goes straight to our hearts. This is what makes this company stand out over all others – and long may it remain that way!
Reviewer: Peter Kinnock
Reviewed: 8th May 2025
North West End UK Rating: