3*** Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A mostly convincing performance of Wagner’s early masterwork.”
Conductor, Jack Ridley, gives us a suitably fluid reading in this semi-staged production by Persona Arts. His is a dramatically compelling interpretation, full of detail, dynamic contrast and expansive phrasing. He really moves the action on with urgency and momentum; a must when conducting Wagner. This is a young and upcoming conductor with a career to watch.
The production boasts an impressive group of soloists. All are well-cast from a vocal and dramatic perspective. Mari Wyn Williams, singing with power and sensitivity, brings a blend of girlish naivety and moral strength to the role of Senta. This is a character full of questions and ambiguity: is she really a young woman touched by the hand of fate, or just a crazy, mixed-up kid with a Daddy fixation? Williams' realisation entertains both possibilities.
Gerrit Paul Groen as Senta's father, Daland, is a true Wagnerian Bass with a well-grounded tone that is at once rich and brilliant. Byron Jackson invests the role of the Dutchman with pathos, vulnerability and vocal warmth. Heldentenor, Anando Mukerjee, is suitably heroic, but capable of exquisitely balanced pianissimos when they are called for. His aria in the final act was of particular note. The role of Mary is a rather thankless, school-mistress part to play. In it, Laura Woods projects convincing maternal concern through a full-bodied mezzo voice.
The band delivered a rollicking opening to the final act, and a shimmering, transcendental finale.
The largely amateur chorus does sterling work; singing with a richness of tone and giving commitment to the drama. However, there are problems with sight-lines to the conductor. This, and spatial distance, resulted in the chorus towards the start of the final act - which involves on and off-stage singers - coming adrift.
The additon of a children's chorus before the start of the Overture, in a specially commisioned composition by Bobbie-Jane Gardner with libretto by N'gadie Roberts, beautifully composed and sung.
Persona Arts are to be applauded for its goals and inclusive approach, and for bringing such an ambitious project to the stage so convincingly.