Reviews

Ariadne auf Naxos – Opera Ireland Spring 2008

“Artistic Director Dieter Kaegi and his creative team nimbly navigate the opera’s unusual, delicate balances. In a fine-looking production inspired by pre-war affluence, Kaegi gives energy to material that is dramatically rather still.... German lyric mezzo Kinga Dobay wins you over to an acceptance of the composer’s injured sensibilities. Just when you think nothing can top the unbelievable, seemingly effortless vocal acrobatics and range of Japanese coloratura soprano Mari Moriya as Zerbinetta,Welsh dramatic soprano Alwyn Mellor as Ariadne demonstrates the sheer emotional power of the human voice.”
Michael Dungan – Irish Examiner

“Whatever about the complexities of this opera, there is no doubt that this updating of the original into an Andy Warhol type scenario, was a brave bid by Kaegi to make sense of events. While providing audiences with the soaring romantic beauty of Strauss’s background-type music. The action, frenetic and frantic, was perplexing but,thankfully, excellent choreography rendered it fascinating, even mesmeric.Three outstanding sopranos, Strauss’s voice of choice, produced, in turn, performances that hovered between superb and sublime.”
Dick O’Riordan – Sunday Business Post

The Marriage of Figaro – Opera Ireland Spring 2008

“The production is a lively one,not least because of the controlled energy that emantates from the RTE Concert Orchestra under Jari Hamalainen. The playing is tight, the tempos very brisk, the balances between stage and pit exemplary. And Hamalainen manages to bring the singers with him at his often daring speeds.”
Michael Dervan – Irish Times

“Deliciously naughty, jolly good romp, Opera Ireland’s The Marriage of Figaro”
Lucy White – The Metro

“The delicious lightness of the famous Mozart overture spelled out instantly that,whatever else,we were in for a splendid musical evening. The RTE Concerty Orchestra captured the charm and vivacity of the occasion as if guest conductor Jari Hamalainen had brought a magic wand, not a baton, from Finland. The stage sets, costumes and lighting all impressed through understatement rather than extravagance.”
Dick O’Riordan – Sunday Business Post