Handel’s Alcina

Ryedale Festival Opera

Miranda Wright Singers

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Experience Ensemble

Miranda Heggie

Four Stars

The latter of just two Scottish dates, Ryedale Festival Opera brought their production of Handel’s Alcina to Perth Concert Hall on Thursday evening. The cast of emerging singers, most of whom are still in postgraduate study at British conservatoires, performed what is now regarded as one of Handel’s greatest operatic achievements with poise and aplomb, albeit to a disappointingly quiet house. Director Nina Brazier's production sees a minimalist set, with ribbons of foliage draped from the ceiling and marble effect thrones simply conveying the natural beauty of the haunted island where the sorceress Alcina reigns. Taking centre stage, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Experience Ensemble, an apprentice scheme for young period instrumentalists, produced a seriously sophisticated sound. Led from the harpsichord by Musical Director Ian Tindale, the nine piece chamber orchestra intelligently teased out the subtleties of Handel’s score to evoke the characters’ changing moods and sense of unrest within the story.

Sung in English, with a new translation by John Warrack, soprano Cherise Lagasse was convincing in the title role, for the most part singing with clear annunciation and strong projection, while Maria Ostroukhova’s rich, fruity tones were beautifully suited to the part of Bradamante. Alcina’s sister Morgana was sung with nimble lightness by Robyn Alegra Parton, and tenor Joel Williams showed a magnetic stage presence in the role of Oronte. In keeping with the scaled back production, the chorus consisted of just four singers; the Miranda Wright Singers, a quartet of young vocalists, sang with a lovely blend and well maintained balance.