Brisbane Bel Canto is part of Opera Queensland’s new Italian opera festival performing at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Brisbane. The essence of bel canto is Italian but the term, it seems, is harder to define.
Either way, the opening night of Lucia di Lammermoor was dramatic and outstanding. It held an unblemished tone that moved the dramatic storyline through fervent peaks and troughs, the technique faultless. No wonder there was a standing ovation at the end.
Like many operatic stories, this tragic three-act opera by Gaetano Donizetti pulls on every emotion including a capturing mad scene in the third act. Set in nineteenth-century Scotland, innocent Lucia (Jessica Pratt) is constantly manipulated by men, gets caught up in a family feud and falls in love with her family’s sworn enemy. She is pushed to her limit and when she finally tries to take control of her situation there are tragic consequences for her new husband and finally her sanity.
Soprano, Jessica Pratt has interpreted this challenging piece of opera perfectly. Her agile voice was free and easy, her high notes couldn’t be any smoother. There were times I could not help but close my eyes and drift along her musical repertoire as if I were Lucia.
Capturing performances from Edgardo (Carlos Barcenas) Enrico (Samuel Dundas) Raimondo (David Parkin), Arturo (Virgilio Marino (Alisa (Hayler Sugars), Normanno (Iain Henderson) completed this wonderful production.
This is what opera is about, singing, music and powerful impassioned stories. When I walk out of the theatre feeling drained and emotional I know I have been captured by the story on stage. That’s why I love opera. All credits as well to Opera Queensland Chorus and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Lucia di Lammermoor performances at QPAC until 27 April
Sung in Italian with English surtitles on screen.
The Brisbane Bel Canto Festival offers more than just opera:
Maggie Beer is holding a Long Lunch for a Friday afternoon soiree on 26 April. Can’t imagine a better day consuming a 3-course opera-inspired meal featuring local produce and a dessert in honour of our superb soprano Jessica Pratt. Jessica will be performing songs with her OQ colleagues, how wonderful, it surely will be a memorable event. Tickets are available online.
For a personal up-front experience Jessica Pratt Concert with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra will be performing for one night only on Wednesday 24 April at 7 pm. She will be joined by beloved tenors Carlos Bárcenas and Rosario La Spina with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Richard Mills.
Explore detailed information and the program ahead:
The 2024 Season offers a year of timeless classics, captivating voices and unforgettable stories.
All information available online or phone 136 246
Ruth Greening holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology & Philosophy. Before retirement, she worked for over 40 years in the corporate world in Melbourne and Brisbane and progressed into senior management positions and project roles for both private industry and government.
In her 70th decade, she continues in casual roles as a freelance writer, model, and actor participating in small movies, TV commercials and User Generated Content.
As a grandmother, she is known as Nanny Babe to her grandchildren and writes from a Baby Boomer perspective on her blog www.nannybabe.com. An avid crafter Ruth actively participates in sewing, crocheting and knitting.
While she continues to pursue her artistic passions, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining her health and fitness as she ages by attending the gym, dancing and walking and thrives on mentoring others.
Connect with Ruth or our moniker Nanny Babe; nannybabegengp.blogspot.com.au/
Leave a Reply