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Canberra Today 17°/20° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Review: Lively Mozart by candlelight

CARL Rafferty has hit on a winning formula with his “Opera by Candlelight” nights at Albert hall; opera aficionados gather around tables and tuck into baskets of gourmet delights they bring and then settle back for some light-hearted entertainment.

Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” was the perfect choice. It is full of life, energy and great music-making.

On his first outing as a conductor, ANU School of Music director, Peter Tregear, drew excellent accompaniment from the small chamber orchestra, beautifully anchored by Rafferty at the piano.

There was an international flavour, too. Superb NZ tenor, James Adams, played a fine Prince Tamino opposite the stylish voice of Slovenian soprano, Jerica Steklasa, as Princess Pamina.

Kate Rafferty, as Queen of the Night, was a bit sweet for such a devious character, but her vocalising was superb, drawing mighty applause for a wonderful performance of the Queen’s famously difficult “Hell’s vengeance” aria in Act 2. Her opposite was a regal and stately Philip Barton as King Sarastro, his basso profundo to die for.

As Papageno, Zach Raffan was a bit reserved in Act 1, but delightfully lively in Act 2. His use of the bird whistle was entrancing. Director, Shane Treeves, as Monostatos, was scheming and villainous, but charmingly mischievous.

The flute’s magic enchanted the Albert Hall into life (even with those awful drapes covering the magnificent architecture of the windows). A smiling audience in exit confirmed it.

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