DIDO AND AENEAS
English Vocal Consort
of Helsinki organized together with Orpheus' Muses an invigorating but
dramatic opera night in the Space for Free Arts in Sörnäinen (Helsinki). The
performance took place in a rather unusual environment, that is, in an air-raid
shelter. Perhaps not one of the most polished places to sing opera, but it
functioned surprisingly well as an opera stage.
The opera was
modernized to the world of reality television and even though the jump from
Troy to reality television is rather long, the modernization was unusually successful
and the audience had fun. Costumes and setting were simple but – again –
functioned well. The audience was able to take part in the opera/reality
television show several times and in such an intimate (if you can call an
air-raid shelter intimate) space it was a genial solution from the director Iko
Raatikainen.
And, of course, the
best part of the opera was the beautiful music. The orchestra – Dido’s Train –,
directed by Kaisa Ruotsalainen was excellent. Iida Antola in the role of Dido
was spectacular. Fantastic voice and stunning presence. You don’t often hear
the aria “When I am laid” sung so perfectly! You could really feel the pain of
the dying Dido.
In Monday’s
performance there was extra drama happening on stage, when one of the
performers got hurt and fainted during the performance. Fortunately he
recovered by the end bows and was able to wave his thanks laying on the floor.
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| Entrance |
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