Again a two-rehearsal day with work on Act 1 with the orchestra in the afternoon, as well as a full evening dress rehearsal. Final touches have now been completed on the set, singers are becoming accustomed to their flowing Moorish-inspired costumes by Fiona Hodges, and we're able to enjoy the ravishing effect under the lights. Always the last person to leave after an evening rehearsal is our lighting designer/technician Ian Chandler, who has been lighting our productions for 17 years: generally the quiet time after everyone else has left is the moment for him to adjust colours and focus and to prepare for the show. The DR ran fairly smoothly although we're having to rethink a prop issue, lest Cherubino's revolving wardrobe gets snagged on discarded underwear....
we attended the Saturday night performance, probably our third or fourth attendance at a Bampton Classical Opera event. Stunning performances, great voices, tight band etc. Fantastic set, so uncluttered with the normal paraphernalia that goes with stages, its great that there is no canopy and obtrusive lighting stands, the nett result is stunning! I've very sad to report though that especially throughout the first half, the back stage noises distracted me terribly and really effected my enjoyment of the opera. Can I suggest that in future you position your green room as far away as practically possible?
ReplyDeleteMike's comments about the performance are very kind and seem to be shared by everyone. We're sorry about the back-stage noise but our 'green room' is indeed that - the open lawn behind the yew-hedge which forms the backdrop to the stage. I suspect that it may have been our younger backstage crew at fault who probably didn't realise the remarkably clear acoustics of the site. i don't think it will happen again!
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