Opera Norths ensemble cast delivers a superb performance that does justice to Sir David Pountneys 1980 production of Janáčeks The Cunning Little Vixen.
The production, despite its age, retains its freshness and captivates with its portrayal of the Vixens playful mischief and sexual maturity, as well as the struggles of male characters seeking to escape their mundane lives.
Immediately striking is the set design by the late Maria Björnson, which creates a hanging forest, and features a rolling hillside and overhanging tress that changes from season to season. Populated with animal characters, played by a vast cast of professionals and children in semi-realistic costumes, the creative team have successfully brought to life the themes of the opera. This is typical of Opera North, as they creatively try and break down barriers and make opera for all.
The professional cast deliver strong performances, with Elin Pritchard as the Vixen and Heather Lowe as the Fox standing out. The human characters, including James Rutherford as the Forester and Paul Nilon as the Schoolmaster, bring a gloomy quality, whilst the children take to the stage effortlessly. Furthermore, the graceful movements of the Dragonfly, performed by Stefanos Dimoulas, deserve a special mention. Dimoulas portrays the Dragonfly character with an ethereal and delicate quality, moving with a fluidity that perfectly captures the spirit of his character and the forest. His movements are graceful and effortless, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the performance. Dimoulas' performance highlights the importance of physicality and expression in opera, and his talent as a performer is evident in his ability to convey emotion through movement alone. If you missed our interview with him a few weeks ago, you can catch it here.
Under the guidance of conductor Andrew Gourlay, the orchestra delivered a disciplined performance. The orchestras skilful execution of the score particularly enhanced the overall experience. Gourlays leadership and the orchestras performance were crucial in capturing the magic, making for an unforgettable evening of music and opera.
Although Janáčeks work may not be appreciated by everyone, this production of The Cunning Little Vixen is a beautiful testament to the enduring charm and emotional depth of his opera. This production is a must see for fans of opera and those simply looking for a unique and memorable cultural experience. Those who appreciate the themes of the natural cycle of life and death, the struggle for freedom and escape, and the beauty of the world around us will find this production to be both thought-provoking and enchanting.
If you missed The Cunning Little Vixen at the Lowry on March 7th, dont worry! The production will be making its way to other cities throughout March, including Nottingham, Newcastle, and Hull. Its worth catching.
But thats not all! The season also includes Puccinis Tosca and Strausss Ariadne auf Naxos, two more spectacular operas that you wont want to miss. Whether youre a seasoned operagoer or just curious about this art form, theres something for everyone in this exciting season. So be sure to check the schedule and book your tickets soon VIA HERE
Dean Thomas-Lowde for Canal St Media