RNCM Opera Scenes 26/01/2024

Jonathan Dove Mansfield Park

Jonathan Cocker director
Alec Frank-Gemmill conductor
Sheldon Miller repetiteur

Deema Azar Mary Crawford
Ruby Donnelly Fanny Price
David Bicarregui Edmund Bertram 
Kelsey Thomas Maria Bertram 
Merel-Magali Cox Julia Bertram 
Jay Broadhurst Henry Crawford 
Kristen Gregory Mr Rushworth 
Ellie Forrester Aunt Norris

A day out in the wilderness. The wilderness is in fact the Sotherton estate, home of the wealthy Mr Rushworth who is engaged to Maria Bertram where the party has been invited for a visit. Fanny Price, a young woman living with her relatives, the Bertrams at their estate, Mansfield Park, with the status of a dependent poor relation. She witnesses the relationships of those around her. Largely ignored, she sees and understands much more than anyone would think. The manipulation of Edmund by Mary, the mocking of Mr Rushworth and the overt flirtations of Henry Crawford and Maria (who is engaged to Mr Rushworth), and the excitement of Julia Bertram. Aunt Norris treats Fanny with brusque coldness.

W A Mozart La finta semplice

Jonathan Cocker director
Alec Frank-Gemmill conductor
Tomek Pieczora repetiteur 
Antonia Sotgiu language coach

Niamh McKendrick Rosina
Edwina Lau Ninetta
Aidan McCusker Polidoro
Ethan Jacobs Fracasso
Yihan Wang Giacinta
Patrick Osborne Cassandro 
Peter Entwisle Simone

Captain Fracasso (a Hungarian officer) and his sergeant Simone have been lodging for two months in the home of Don Cassandro, who lives in a grand house with his silly brother Polidoro, and their beautiful sister, Giacinta. Inevitably, Captain Fracasso falls in love with Giacinta, and Simone with the chambermaid Ninetta. Fracasso and Giacinta want to marry, as do Simone and Ninetta. Rosina rejects Polidoro to marry his brother Cassandro. All are happily paired up after plot twists revolving round love letters, rings, money, disappearances and other intrigues. The only one left alone is poor Polidoro.

Martin y Soler Il burbero di buon cuore

Jonathan Cocker director
Harry Lai conductor
Russell Medley repetiteur
Antonia Sotgiu language coach

Alexander Gibb Dorval
Adam Jarman Ferramondo
Jay Broadhurst Giocondo
Miriam Whiting-Reilly Lucilla
Gigi Casey Angelica
Andras Balla Valerio
Callum McCandless Castagna
Leah McCabe Marina

The old and irascible Ferramondo has visited his friend, Dorval, to suggest a marriage between his niece, Angelica, and his friend. This would avoid Angelica entering a convent because of lack of money for a dowry. This problem has arisen because of the profligacy of her sister-in-law, Lucilla, married to her brother, Giocondo, who realizes that this is a better idea than the convent, but is surprised at his uncle’s choice of husband. Meanwhile, Angelica is distraught at the thought that she can’t marry her boyfriend, Valerio. The young couple, supported by their friend, Marina, are determined to be together. Ferramondo is furious that anyone should try to usurp his authority. Castagna, Dorval’s servant is caught up in all the intrigues.