Patrons spell-bound, Skeptics converted

by Ros Dopwell

Opera Grenada's staging of "A Night at the Opera" played to enthusiastic sell out crowds on Saturday and Sunday nights in St. George's and Grenville respectively.

Those who attended the operatic production, with a tinge of hesitation, doubting that they would get their money's worth and enjoy it, but willing to support the worthy cause, were not disappointed.

As well as this, there should be an added sense of satisfaction. Thanks to extensive sponsorship, all gate-proceeds are to go to the restoration of our historic churches and their pipe organs. The reservations and qualms of those wavering about enjoying the production were quickly allayed. The majority found nothing to complain about, and much to learn.

I am prepared to challenge those who expected to have misgivings, to look me in the face and point out where the production came up short.

All in any way involved in this "professional" production can feel justified and vindicated, with due cause. This includes, but was not exclusive to, the event planners - Richard Strachan (Producer), Mae Daly (Music Director) and Michelle Hercules (Event Manager).   The production reeked of class, from beginning to end.

It was difficult to tell that many of the cast were locally trained and had not been extensively taught, especially not taught abroad. Our local music teachers are to be complimented. This does not include only those trained by Mrs. Daly, since her choir overlapped with those whose skills were honed at the feet of Valerie Daniel and others.

One imagines that if there is no line-up of converts ready to break down their doors seeking lessons, there will be some who desperately want to try their hands and voices at music lessons. If they can feel that this additionally can lead to the types of scholarships to which our Caribbean athletes have been exposed, then another break through is in the offing.

Phil Beaman's genius as an accompanist was such that he supported the singers and highlighted their efforts without stealing the thunder for himself (always the mark of an accomplished pianist).

Guest artiste, Trinidadian student, lyric soprano, Natalia Dopwell, did not disappoint, and continues her reputation of converting cynics and doubting Thomas' to become fans of classical music. Among the young and even older heads, who professed not to have time for classical music, many came to feel surprised at how quickly the concert was over, which is always a reliable sign of how much they enjoyed it.

In general many were surprised that they recognised a number of the tunes which were familiar, having had their roots in the pieces performed. As an additional consequence of the synopsis of each read prior to each performance, there was less of an impact of them being sung in French and Italian.                          

Indeed the meaning came across so clearly that it almost did not matter. For those familiar with Opera, the selections were more than recognised, they were even well-known. The rest of the audience surprised themselves with the number of times they said, "Oh! I know that!"

One could go on dishing out kudos! However, all I ask is that we may have another of the same elk soon. Please!