Press Comments

Opera Now feature on Cosi fan tutte - 2007

Country pursuits Garden Opera's 2006 production of Cosi fan tutte feels almost as much a celebration of Englishness as it does an opera. For one thing, it's Jeremy Sams' translation, so the recitative has become a witty script with hints of Gilbert and Sullivan and Alan Ayckbourn. For another, the company have been touring the country and choosing a fine selection of venues that show the best of England's parks, gardens and country houses. And finally director Martin Lloyd-Evans has set the production in a cricket pavilion, no doubt to draw parallels between the mysteries of our national game and those of love. This scenario has the potential simply to be rather silly, but talented singers - whose obvious enjoyment on the part of the per formers shines through - and exquisite musical arrangements by Bernie Lafontaine and Peter Bridges instead create a touchingly earnest performance. With no chorus, elaborate set or foreign dialogue to contend with, it's an intimate performance that makes the most of a small stage and cast by drawing on the singers' engaging personalities. Will Townend and Alex Anderson-Hall are a comedy duo as Guglielmo and Ferrando, reveling in chappish charm and throwing themselves whole-heartedly into the machinations of the plot. Stefan Holmstrom as Don Alfonso and Michelle Sheridan as Despina likewise display obvious glee in their guiding roles in the school of love. Accompanied by a delightfully well-balanced chamber ensemble, they are ably matched by Kim-Marie Woodhouse and Elizabeth Woods as Dorabella and Fiordiligi. The musical arrangements also exploit the small scale. They are a real joy to hear, drawing out the harmonies and intricacies of the score, yet amply supporting the small cast. A highlight of the performance was Woods's heartfelt 'Per pieta' which, with a simple and sympathetic accompaniment, brought out the best in Mozart's score. Olivia Rowland