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La Gioconda - Reviews"This mad melodrama exploded into epic, grisly life and proved its
worth. The City of London Sinfonia, conducted by Peter Robinson, played with
distinction and fire. Gweneth-Ann Jeffers, forceful in the title role, led a
hot-blooded cast in which Olafur Sigurdarson and David Soar were especially
earcatching. The Russian tenor Vadim Zaplechny remained wonderfully
Russian." "The stark and sinister quality of Jamie Vartan's designs suggests the
corruption and violence operating in 17th-century Venice. In an opera unusually
densely packed with narrative shocks and sudden reversals of fortune,
Lloyd-Evans does a good job guiding us through the plot's intricacies. Olafur
Sigurdarson as Barnaba and David Soar as Alvise sing and act their roles to the
hilt. Gweneth-Ann Jeffers's emotional grandeur is impressive." "La Gioconda goes to places where only truly great opera can go, and
does it with irresistible panache and dreamy tunefulness. Once again, Opera
Holland Park does the business. It has found singers with huge voices, the
chorus are superb, and Martin Lloyd-Evan's grand production is thrillingly clear
and fluid. I loved it." "Gweneth-Ann gave a portrayal that was both emotional and vocally
accomplished. There were some wonderfully steely top notes, while her sense of
line and text was impeccable. An outstanding vocal performance came from David
Soar as Alvise and Russian tenor Vadim Zaplechny was a brilliantly neurotic
presence and sang powerfully as Enzo. Yvonne Howard was exceptional as Laura and
when she duetted with Jeffers the results were riveting. Great dedication as
ever from the City of London Sinfonia. As the evening wore on and the night came
upon us, the atmosphere and drive increased, and the drama was thrilling." "For real risk-taking on the lyric stage, it's hard to beat Korn/Ferry
Opera Holland Park's new production of Amilcare Ponchielli's barnstorming 1876
opera La Gioconda. Holland Park has worked miracles on a small budget. The
singers all have thrillingly loud voices and
chew up their parts with relish. Gweneth-Ann Jeffers (Gioconda) has a meaty
sound, and the Moldovan tenor Vadim Zaplechny hits his top notes easily. With
some suitably luxurious conducting from Peter Robinson and a large chorus in top
form, it creates an evening of magic. "Nuala Willis acted strongly as La Cieca, and Gweneth-Ann Jeffers as the
heroine sang and acted intensely. Fine singing came from the two wicked men,
Barnaba the spy, whose final growl should be recorded for posterity, it could
make Olafur Sigurdarson a star; and the Alvise of David Soar, who has a bass of
major quality. Once again there were no weak links in the casting." "Spine-tingling…vastly enjoyable. Gweneth Ann Jeffers revealed a
sumptuous lyric soprano often exciting and beautiful. Olafur Sigurdason snarled
and roared and poised and elegant singing came from the excellent David Soar as
the Inquisitor Alvise and Yvonne Howard as Enzo's inamorata Laura." Gweneth-Ann Jeffers smoulders, shudders and shimmers with a gleaming timbre
and rock-solid technique. Olafur Sigurdarson and David Soar snarl heroically as
Barnaba and Alvise, and Yvonne Howard sings the role of Laura with sensitivity
and intelligence. Some great singing and some great set-pieces, then, and a
stylish performance from the orchestra under Peter Robinson. "Martin Lloyd-Evans's staging draws high-octane performances from
Gweneth-Ann Jeffers, Yvonne Howard, David Soar and Olafur Sigurdarson, with
Peter Robinson and the City of London Sinfonia relishing the sweeping
score." "OHP proved that there is much to admire in the work and that an
inventive production can bring it to life. The City of London Sinfonia gave a
warm and flowing account of the score under Peter Robinson. Gweneth-Ann
Jeffers's assumption of the title role was sung most beautifully - she rides the
climaxes thrillingly."
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