Together, Apart

The theme of this opera is especially apt for the current circumstances in Victoria and the story captures many themes around the way contemporary romantic relationships are developed and sustained. The “to camera” format is ingenious and produces a powerful atmosphere of intimacy. The four outstanding performers Georgia Wilkinson (soprano), Morgan Carter (soprano), Nigel Huckle (tenor) and Sam Ward (baritone) appear on the screen in Caravaggio like fashion: dramatically set against a dark background. The effect is haunting and arresting as the performers are brought to the foreground in this highly aesthetic mode.

This opera has an unexpected eclectic quality, employing a range of musical styles and sounds that include musical theatre, jazz, rock and pop. Glenn Amer (pianist) and Flora Carbo (saxophonist) capture these differing genres perfectly allowing their instruments to cue the styles in a manner that is delicate and highly accomplished. The lyrics often seem like they would be more at home in a rock song, however, the stunning performances allow this combination of incongruous styles to really complement one another. The intensely emotional quality of the music also creates an opportunity for the magnificent voices of the singers to shine.\

The show opens with a very uplifting number called “Turn the Key” that sets a very lively and somewhat impish tone which is beautifully echoed in the performances. Other highlights include the song “Back to You” which delves into the mixed emotions that falling in love can generate: “I should go, Let me stay, I don’t know any other way”; lyrics which perfectly capture the way passion can play havoc with your mind. The exquisite song “Narrative of Love” is not afraid to address intimacy and the intensity of emotions that can come with being physically and psychologically at one with another person. The closing number “Together, Apart” brings the performers together as duets and also as a chorus and the effect is simply sublime.

Nicholas Gentile has been described as a prodigious talent, with music that spans film, screen and stage. His very notable career has seen him collaborate with renowned composers such as Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin) and Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Aladdin). The calibre of his superb compositions suggest that Gentile is completely at home in such excellent company.

This is a captivating and enchanting show which is truly sensational. The songs contemplate all aspects of passion and love; their wildly delirious moments of joy as well as the depths of despair they can cause. The arousal, the uncertainty, the choices that love confronts us with are all elicited in a moving and heart-rending manner, making this performance simply irresistible.    

Patricia Di Risio 

https://www.gertrudeopera.com.au/