The Flying Dutchman

Melbourne Opera’s first opera for 2019 was Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, and it was an unqualified triumph!

The orchestra, under the firm control of Anthony Negus, who conducted Tristan and Isolde last year, was superb, and still allowed the singers to be heard.

English bass-baritone Darren Jeffery was imported for the title role and fully justified the expense. His solid voice never faltered, and he presented a brooding Dutchman. Senta was played by local favourite, Lee Abrahmsen, whose beautiful voice soared over the ensemble. The two worked very well together, and one felt the sexual tension between them.

Steven Gallop was a strong and jovial Daland and Rosario La Spina, so often seen in leading tenor roles, a powerful Erik. There were no weak links in this cast: Roxane Hislop sang beautifully as Mary and Michael Lapina was a convincing Steersman.

The advantage of having a mainly amateur chorus was the sheer number of bodies they could put on the stage, and the chorus singing was thrilling! Not only that, they had also been carefully coached with uniform movement, which added to the spectacle.

The set comprised one structure which turned around as required to become a ship, a hillside or the inside of a cottage. Windows came down from the flies for the latter. The ghost ship was a projection on the back. The lighting was very effective.

This was a coherent and totally engaging drama, and a production the company can be proud of.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Robin Halls