La Donna del Lago (ROH)

[jean]

Anyone going to the live relay tonight?

[Dave2002]

Anyone going to the live relay tonight?

I was planning to, but then discovered we've got theatre tickets elsewhere. It looks as though it could be a good evening. We enjoyed the last one - Nabucco.

I'd recommend it to anyone who hasn't already got something to do tonight.

[duncan]

I saw it tonight. It's a slight but fun piece sensationally sung by Joyce DiDonato, Juan Diego Florez and Daniela Barcellona (the latter much the most masculine of Joyce's 3 suitors!). Colin Lee was pretty decent too. The costumes and scenery are hansom Victorian Scotch. The direction is a mess with several completely gratuitous WTF moments. The performance was recorded and will appear on Radio 3 at some point. Highly recommended listening, cautiously recommended viewing.

[Don Basilio]

Going tomorrow. I mean to wear my kilt.

[Barbirollians]

I saw it tonight. It's a slight but fun piece sensationally sung by Joyce DiDonato, Juan Diego Florez and Daniela Barcellona (the latter much the most masculine of Joyce's 3 suitors!). Colin Lee was pretty decent too. The costumes and scenery are hansom Victorian Scotch. The direction is a mess with several completely gratuitous WTF moments. The performance was recorded and will appear on Radio 3 at some point. Highly recommended listening, cautiously recommended viewing.

Excellent news . I am going on Friday.

[french frank]

Going tomorrow. I mean to wear my kilt.

Are you allowed to wear the sgian dubh these days? I bet they'd confiscate it at the door!

[jean]

The discussion continued here (#182 onwards):

http://www.for3.org/forums/showthread.php?2361-A-Night-at-the-Opera&p=298771#post298771

I was so disgusted with the sound at the relay that I wrote to the ROH - they offered me two free tickets for their next relay (not for the opera house itself, unfortunately).

[Frances_iom]

Are you allowed to wear the sgian dubh these days? I bet they'd confiscate it at the door!

security at ROH seems very relaxed these days - no bag searches in last few months - there were a few kilted members of audience at last Friday's performance (the one that will be broadcast)

[french frank]

On Radio 3, Saturday 15 June, 6.00-9.45pm

Cast List

Elena - Joyce DiDonato (mezzo-soprano)
King James of Scotland - Juan Diego Flórez (tenor)
Malcom - Daniela Barcellona (mezzo-soprano)
Duglas - Simon Orfila (bass)
Rodrigo - Colin Lee (tenor)
Albina - Justina Gringyte (mezzo-soprano)
Serano - Robin Leggate (tenor)
A Bard - Christopher Lackner (baritone)
King's Soldier - Pablo Bemsch (tenor)

Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Michele Mariotti, conductor

[Barbirollians]

Seldom has such a ropey opera been so magnificently sung - judging by last Friday !

[Barbirollians]

The account tonight I assume is from the opening night as didn't Lee pull out of most of his performances ?

[David-G]

The account tonight I assume is from the opening night as didn't Lee pull out of most of his performances ?

No, it is a performance from late May. I would highly recommend listening tonight, it is really very special!!!

[Barbirollians]

I felt last Friday at the ROH that it was a night for a seat with a restricted view and it certainly sounds just as wonderful as it did in the house but without the distractions of the ghastly staging and production.

[Don Basilio]

I don't mind wearing my sgian dubh at Covent Garden - but no way am I wearing it on the train back to Croydon late at night.

PS. I loved La donna del largo.

[jean]

I wonder if anyone saw the recent relay from the Met - Joyce DiDonato, Juan Diego Flórez and Daniela Barcellona in the same roles, totally different production.

The sound was much better than when I saw the ROH production at Fact, Liverpool - I don't know if the Met's sound engineers or the cinema were responsible for that.