In a masterful marriage of the melodious and the colloquial, Ian McMillan's rendition of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" unfolds as a cultural tapestry, marking the grand commencement of Bradford's Opera Festival. The enchanting concert format, unveiled at St George’s Hall on a crisp November evening, immersed the audience in a tale full with love, mischief, and the nuanced complexities of class.
McMillan's linguistic prowess, delicately weaving the tapestry of The Sublime Tyke Talk, injects a hearty dose of Bradford's distinctive charm into this timeless classic.
Under the direction of Alex Chisholm and the baton of conductor Ben Crick, the ensemble cast, led by the charismatic Oscar Castellino as Figaro and the enchanting Felicity Buckland as Rosina, orchestrates a performance that transcends linguistic boundaries. Sam Kibble's portrayal of Count Almaviva, Julian Close's Basilio, and the ethereal Ukrainian soprano Milana Sarukhanyan as Bertha contribute harmoniously to the grand symphony.
The orchestral magic of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra and the vocal prowess of the Bradford Festival Choral Society intertwine, creating a sonic landscape that resonates with the very spirit of the region. McMillan's adaptation pays homage not only to the comedic brilliance of Rossini's original masterpiece but also establishes an enduring cultural connection that is distinctly Bradfordian.
In this operatic journey, where the pursuit of love collides with the comedic escapades of Figaro, McMillan's Yorkshire dialect adaptation serves as a testament to the festival's unwavering commitment to making opera a truly immersive Bradford experience. A delightful premiere, seamlessly blending the opulence of opera with the comforting warmth of local expression, it leaves an indelible mark on the cultural canvas of Bradford.
Brava!
Reviewer - Simon Oliver
on - 23.11.23
on - 23.11.23
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