Then again, I may be biased as I have been a big opera enthusiast for a very long time. Torvaldo E Dorliska is like Rossini's answer to Beethoven's Fidelio- both can be seen as rescue operas and the characters do bear similarities especially the villains of the operas- and while the story is not really exciting from my point of view the music is wonderful. As is this production. Visually, while not the most beautiful production I've seen it did manage to be clever. The forest and gate settings were nice and ornate, and while a runway is the centrepiece for much of the action it serves its purpose well and was hardly inappropriate. From a musical point of view, this Torvaldo E Dorliska was outstanding, with vibrant orchestral playing and the conducting has both energy and authority. The principal singers are all without fault vocally and dramatically, and also have the advantage of actually being physically credible. Francessco Meli very much looks the part of a valiant young lover, and he has a lovely and flexible voice. Darina Takova's beautiful voice does wonders with Rossini's vocal writing, and her loathing and despair hits all the right notes. Michele Pertusi is gloriously wicked in the villainous role of the Duke, and his singing is as rich as ever. The character of Giorgio is like a mix of Figaro and Leporello, and Bruno Pratico sings and acts very vividly, epitomising a servant who was loyal but has had enough. All in all, a fantastic production. 10/10 Bethany Cox
