Diana Carroll is an arts writer and reviewer - READ MORE HERE





OPERA - OperaMania
Moscow Novaya Opera

DIANA CARROLL - Reviewer
INDAILY - 5.4.13

HOW can you not love a show that opens with the magnificent Overture from Carmen and ends with the divine Thunder and Lightning Polka by Strauss? In between, there are gems from the greatest operatic music of the last 300 years. Your favourite aria, or most-loved operatic moment, is almost certainly here, performed exquisitely by the stars of the Moscow Novaya Opera. Whatever your plans for this evening, cancel them and book a ticket for OperaMania.

This is unashamedly a "greatest hits" show, but opera aficionados have no reason for alarm. The pieces are rendered with the due amount of reverence and superb technical precision. Each of the 10 singers effortlessly hit their notes every time. The singing is complemented by beautiful costumes and just a little of opera's famously silly comic acting.

The Moscow Novaya Opera Orchestra gives a splendid performance under the baton of Andrey Lebedev, a conductor who leads with a teasing touch. The constant changes in mood, music, and storyline are all handled smoothly. Pianist Katerina Kolpakova is especially impressive in an excerpt from Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1.

There are some really special aspects to this show, including a few pas de deux by four brilliant soloists from the Russian Imperial Ballet. These are beautiful moments, focusing on pointe-work and soaring lifts. A projected backdrop featuring scenes from paintings by Russian artists was created by production designer Sergei Skornetsky. The gently changing pictures give a wonderful warmth and context to what's happening on stage. Together, these elements make OperaMania a magical night of music and dance.

Adelaide is fortunate to be hosting the international premiere of OperaMania; it has so far played only to a Moscow audience in March. Producer Gennady Polluck once lived here and was keen to launch his Australian tour from his old home town.

OperaMania deserves the stellar popular acclaim enjoyed by stars such as Andre Rieu and the Three Tenors. It is a celebration of all that's good in the gentle arts.

Operamania is at the Adelaide Festival Theatre tonight at 7.30pm.

ENDS.