Opera thrives on partnership. Nederlandse Reisopera’s new production of Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos, is the perfect vehicle for such a vision, not only bringing together all the art forms, but all those important people both on and off the stage who have worked together to create that perfect alchemy on the night. Librettist, Hugo von Hofmannsthal addressed this very topic when he sought to redress the balance between music and the spoken word. Strauss likewise created a partnership of musical styles, mingling Baroque rhythms with 19th century arias and 20th century tonality; and the serious world of Greek mythology with that of comic burlesque. Partnerships at every turn.
Najade (Irish soprano, Rebecca Murphy)
Dryade (Rommie Rochel – a mezzo-soprano studying on the Dutch National Opera Academy programme. She recently participated in a masterclass with American soprano Joyce DiDonato who told her to “Just shut up and sing”. Not to think too much! Brilliant!)
Echo (Dutch soprano Hannah Gries) ©Marco Borggreve
The star of the evening: Zerbinetta (Amercian soprano Juliana Zara -and her AMAZING fuchsia pink burlesque outfit)
© Marco Borggreve
Read more in my review for Bachtrack
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