La Traviata

La Traviata
By Giuseppe Verdi. Melbourne Opera. Director: Suzanne Chaundy. Musical Director: Greg Hocking. Athenaeum Theatre. September 11 – 22, 2013

I was unable to attend the opening night of La Traviata but I was very happy to meet the second cast. The revelation of the night was young Sam Sakker. I encountered him in the final of the German Australian Opera Grant three years ago where he was the audience favourite.

He has developed nicely since then and his voice was thrilling, though also capable of some lovely pianissimo moments. He looked suitably gauche in the first act and will develop more passion for the later acts as he gains experience. Being tall and good-looking isn’t going to hurt his career either. His ill-fitting trousers suited the first act, but should have been ditched for later scenes.

As his Violetta, Kerry Gill was a bit light in the first act – she had a cold – but improved as she went along, and “Addio del Passato” in the last act was magical. She was totally immersed in the role and absolutely convincing.

The last time I saw La Traviata in Melbourne I commented that baritone Manfred Pohlenz made several musical mistakes. I can report that he still doesn't appear to have learnt the role and I find that unacceptable at this level. The audience is paying good money for tickets, and some of the younger baritones singing minor roles would have loved the opportunity. He has a big powerful voice, but did not sing as well as I’ve heard him, probably because he wasn’t musically secure.

The production was interesting, with the stage framed by skewed picture frames. A scrim featuring two hands on a bed of camellias (La Traviata is the Lady of the Camellias) was used effectively at the start of the different scenes. The small stage was a handicap in the gambling scene when the two dancers had little room to move. The chorus sounded good, but probably didn’t need to be as strong in that venue.

The orchestra generally played well, but there were a few times when they weren’t in synch with the singers.

If the first cast does as well as this, it will be a very successful season.

Graham Ford

Images: Sam Sakker as Alfredo Germont, Kerry Gill as Violetta Valéry and Anna-Louise Cole as Annina & Anna-Louise Cole as Annina, Mnafred Pohlenz as Giorgio Germont, Kerry Gill as Violetta Valéry, Sam Sakker as Alfredo Germont and Matthew Thomas as Dr Grenvil.

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