Ballo (Holland Park) --and Michael Volpe

[Xennophon]

this is a message specially for Michael Volpe (does anyone have his email
address)
and for everyone

this show was excellent --in every way except for the baritone who was awful
i want to ask Mike how on earth he ever got selected -- (last Friday -- 11
Aug). He ruined every scene he was in

the soprano was already an accomplished dramatic voice -- Eldrydd Cynan Jones
the Oscar was totally conivncing - a tall lass with great spirit and a fine
voice --
Catherine Hamilton
and quite outstanding was the tenor-- Dominic Natoli -i had never heard of him
before --in so many respects (poise, gesture, style, appearance, even in voice)
he reminded me of Bergonzi
why is he not better known? he is not so young! it was such a treat to hear
him there instead of the usual British version of Italian tenor

[Chrissy Giles]

interesting, Xennophon ... I was at the Ballo on Thursday 10th ...
I agree that it was an excellent production. However, on our night we
had a different cast. I felt that Sarah Rhodes as Amelia was the
weakest - her voice, IMHO, seemed to struggle in parts and her acting
was virtually non-existent eg. in Act 2 when she goes to "the foot of
the gallows" to find the the magic herb she was completely unmoved at
the sight of a hanged man and the headstones around her ... the
programme notes has "Amelia enters, terrified, steeling herself ...".
Not this Amelia - more like a leisurely walk to the corner shop for a
South London Press. Gerard Quinn as Anckarstrom was good (his "eri tu"
was toe-tingling). By far the most convincing member of the cast was
Claire Daniels as Oscar (ENO, Opera North and Scottish Opera). Great
acting, wonderful singing - I shall be looking out for her again.
Geraint Dodd as Gustavus started a little shakily but was firing on all
cylinders by the end. And a quick mention for Timothy Dawkins as Horn
.... gorgeous bass and, um, lovely to look at!
All in all, a good evening ... haven't had a bad one yet at Holland
Park. So yes, well done again to all concerned.
Chrissy

[Michael Volpe]

Sorry I have not been in recently and replied to this.

What can I say! These things happen..a bad night?
With respect to al the other kind comments- thanks..Natoli is promising for
sure. Part of our raison d'être is to give these people a chance in the
bigger roles - sometimes it pays off and others they cannot rise to the
challenge.
But again, your support is very much appreciated.
Cheers (to Chrissy as well !)
With luck and a fair wind, e should be announcing a very exciting new
collaboration at Holland Park..you will be the first ot know on rmo !
Mike

--
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