Don Pasquale

This production reminded me of gelato - vivid, rich in colour, and delicious.

The curtain opened to a glamorous set, in the style of the classic 1950’s movie Roman Holiday.

It left the impression that any minute Audrey Hepburn might glide in, hair flowing on a wind-swept motorbike, with her arms around Gregory Peck.

Three ‘buildings’ neatly rotate to reproduce a street café, a garden and the inside of a grand home.

The comic opera, one of the last of Donizetti’s 60-something operas, fits nicely in the tradition that took off with Offenbach.

An old bachelor Don Pasquale wants to marry in order to punish his rebellious nephew Ernesto, by producing an heir and cutting off his inheritance. 

A plan is hatched for Ernesto’s beloved, Norina, to become Don Pasquale’s wife. This happens in a mock ceremony and then she makes his life hell with a taming of the shrew flavour.

Although the opera does not have one classic memorable aria there is plenty to savour.

South Korean tenor Ji-Min Park shines as Ernesto. His sweetness of voice and expression was endearing.

The classic baritone comic role of Don Pasquale is handled with a richness of voice and affection by Conal Coad, whilst Rachelle Durkin is sassy and sparkling as Norina.

For those a little full on the meat and vegetable of tragedy that dominates many operas this is a tasty little dessert.

David Spicer

Image: Rachelle Durkin as Norina & Conal Coad as Don Pasquale and Opera Australia Chorus. Photographer: Branco Gaica