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Auckland Tourism blog - Xerxes review

03/03/2011

PUBLICATION: Auckland Tourism Events blog
REVIEWED BY: Auckland Tourism Events staff
WHERE: Civic Theatre, THE EDGE, Wednesday 2 March 2011

There is nothing like getting excited for a bit of a cultural extravaganza, especially when it’s for the opening night of the opera. Not just any opera but Xerxes the flamboyant and colourful piece by Handel, certainly an occasion that commands wearing a frock. Let’s be honest, there are not enough occasions to juzgh it up, so when you find one, own it. This was one of those occasions. Because of the great publicity, our expectations were running high, but WOW did the show deliver. Would most people describe ‘opera’ as a show, possibly not, but this musical experience truly was.

A party of three ladies we all decided to give you our experiences of the night…Emma will give you the newbees low down.

“As I made my way to my first opera last night I wasn’t too sure what to expect; being an opera ‘virgin’ I had no idea what to wear, whether or not I would understand any of it, or if I was possibly about 30 years too young. But as I got to The Civic I immediately loved the beauty of it all, the men in their black ties and women dressed in all kinds of different fabric, colours and sparkle. As the usher showed us to our seats and we got closer and closer to the stage, I couldn’t help but turn around and give the other girls a big grin (alright, so I maybe lost my cool, calm “I belong here” composure for just a minute). As we took our seats in row THREE, literally sitting on top of the orchestra, we took a sip of bubbles and settled in for a night of pure entertainment indulgence. From the moment it started I was hooked. ”

The talented orchestra kicked off the evening, of which Susan our muso will fill you in on the musical indulgence…

“So being the muso of our trio, I was in a very happy place as we sat right in front of the pit of a true baroque orchestra. The distinctive plucking sound of the harpsichord (no, lady behind me, it’s not a piano), quite possibly the most enthusiastic recorder player you could imagine (and I’m a big fan of the recorder, get it out of the hands of 6 year olds and into a four part harmony and it’s amazing), a true baroque trumpet without valves, and even a theorbo! A theorbo, I had discovered, is essentially a big lute. And if that doesn’t help, I’ve stolen a pic from elsewhere on the interweb for your viewing pleasure.

But my favourite of the night was the countertenors, Xerxes in particular. Now that we’ve stopped chopping off testicles to create a castrato voice, a countertenor is basically a male singing falsetto. And the sound is amazing! By opening with Handel’s Largo (which I had no idea came from this opera) with this amazing countertenor sound, I knew I was in for a treat. This muso was impressed and I would thoroughly recommend Xerxes – most enjoyable opera I’ve been to in years!”

And from the inexperienced opera goer, Emma summarises “We could literally hear each individual string being strummed, plucked and bowed as the orchestra fervently made their way through the three acts of Xerxes. The costumes were amazing, and the gorgeous colours posed a dramatic contrast against the simple set. With sparkling jewels, a rainbow of colour and sumptuous fabric, Trelise Cooper really out did herself. And then of course there was the singing, I have never experienced singing like it before, the ease and grace that they raced up and down the scales was amazing…”

With elaborate costumes, exceptional stage presence the performers kept the audience entranced through the entire three acts. With snippets of humour and the most phenomenal performance by Xerxes, how can you forget Tobias Cole with that hair. Whispers of ‘is it real?’ passed between us.

It was great to see a diverse audience absorbing all that Xerxes had to offer, a well worth show and a great introduction to opera if you have never been before. Bust out with your wears for ‘an occasion’ and sit back for a marvellous night of opera fun.