Parsifal

It was a feast of Wagner in February with Victorian Opera performing Parsifal following Melbourne Opera’s The Flying Dutchman. This opera requires a large orchestra, and the Australian Youth Orchestra did themselves proud and gained valuable experience under artistic director Richard Mills. They received a standing ovation.

The set was quite bare, with little to indicate the various scenes, but the direction was never static and maintained interest.

This was an international cast with a couple of ex-pats returning after a decade overseas. I remember Derek Welton as an impressive 21 year old making his debut as a soloist in oratorio, and followed his early career in Australia. His voice is even more powerful, and has a depth and richness that can only come with maturing years. His Klingor was spine-tingling.

I saw James Roser competing in the German-Australian Opera Grant in 2009 and he has developed nicely singing in Germany for the past decade. He has a beautiful baritone, and we felt his pain as the wounded Amfortas.

English bass Peter Rose was everything one could wish for as Gurnemanz, with a beautiful, rich voice and power to spare. Katarina Dalayman was a wild Kundry, and her extended duet with the impressive Parsifal of Burkhard Fritz worked well. Teddy Tahu Rhodes had a short innings as Titural. The male chorus was thrilling. Of the locals in minor roles Carlos Barcenos and Stephen Marsh stood out.

This was singing of an extraordinary high standard, and this cast would have been welcome anywhere in the world.

We are so lucky to have heard them in Melbourne.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Jeff Busby