Blackheath - Idomeneo

[Dave2002]

The performance of Idomeneo which has been on going this week in Blackheath is splendid - https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/whats...0%99s-idomeneo The orchestra produces a good sound, and the production is very 3D. Personally I'd recommned sitting on the left hand side, close to the orchestra, facing across to the other side but there are seats all around the long rectangular "stage" area.

The production provides a very unusual and immersive experience, very vivid. The principal singers are excellent, though the staging does leave a fair bit to the imagination. It does over run slightly, but not to the extent of causing most of us to be in danger of missing the last train. There is one more performance on Sunday afternoon. The community involvement is also striking.

I'd say highly recommended, and I might even be tempted to go again if there are still seats.

[Don Basilio]

It sounds like they are using the same plot as Mozart, unlike Covent Garden earlier this year, which is a plus for me. It sounds a brave choice for an opera in the circumstances, so good for them. I won't be able to make it, but thanks for letting us know.

[Dave2002]

I think it was a very brave choice. Some of the children and young people in the cast may remember it for a long while, as also some of the older members. It was good to see such a worthwhile production, and also the involvement of the professional/near professional musicans with what I assume were amateurs and members of the community. Some of the musicians and singers were from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, so students/near professionals.

I never expected to see a Mozart opera done this way. Benjamin Britten maybe (e.g Noyes Fludde), but not Mozart. Great effort.

The very 3D "in the round" style of production gave it great impact, so it wasn't just because it was a very good community effort that made it enjoyable.

There's more about Blackheath Halls Community Opera and a video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOru91xzjAI

Maybe the organisers can video part of this production - really good stuff.