Amongst the Trees

Amongst the Trees was an intense and sometimes challenging evening. Its intensity came from both the subject matter and the style of music. This was a departure from the usual style of operatic offerings from Co-Opera, which usually chooses more traditional and ‘audience-friendly’ operatic offerings.

Amongst the Trees demanded close attention from the audience. The Schoenberg in particular is rarely performed and lacked the melodies, and for me, the moments of transcendent beauty that come from arias in the more well-known operas.

That said, I did enjoy Daphne. Bethany Hill is a performer to keep an eye on. She combines excellent technical ability with a beautiful voice and a strong physical performance. For Hill, the evening was a tour de force. The program demanded a huge amount from a solo performer and she delivered a beautiful and compelling performance. 

A simple set used an effective collection of wood and steel sculptures, which were lit to create shadows and create atmosphere. This provided Hill with a suitable setting for her performance. She was accompanied by Konkelenberg, who demonstrated his considerable virtuosity on the piano.

I must give Kilpatrick’s libretto a round of applause. I also enjoyed it because it was possible to read it as well as listen to it. It is beautifully written.

Schoenberg is a composer who I don’t know well and I would have to admit that I found it hard to stay focused. I would have preferred a different style to balance the program, as Konkelenberg’s composition was very much in the style of Schoenberg.

The audience appreciated the skill and dedication of Hill and Konkelenberg and they received a well-deserved ovation and cheers for their performances.

I look forward to seeing where Konkelenberg, as the Artistic Director of Co-Opera, takes the company into the future.

Sally Putnam