On Sunday, June 1st, Melbourne Opera presented its new production of Saint-Saens’ rarely performed “Samson et Dalila” at the Palais Theatre, St. Kilda.
Last presented here in the 1980’s, the opera’s story is taken from the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. The two principal characters dominate the work and they, together with the chorus, give the opera its atmosphere and power.
Singing the role of Dalila, Deborah Humble gave a fine performance both dramatically and vocally. Her aria in the second act (known in English as “Softly awakes my heart”) is famous, and her singing captured all its languorous beauty. Her great set piece at the end of Act One was equally memorable.
Rosario La Spina, in the part of Samson, sang this demanding role with power and conviction. His vocal quality and upper register often brought to mind the great Australian tenor Donald Smith.
In the key role of the High Priest, Simon Meadows’ powerful baritone conveyed all his character’s varying emotions to great effect.
Special mention must be made of the chorus. Saint-Saens had a considerable gift for chorus writing, and this was fully realized by the Melbourne Opera Chorus. Also, having the chorus positioned backstage, was a masterstroke.
The production also featured two ballets, and the audience responded warmly to the seven highly skilled dancers. The Melbourne Opera Orchestra did full justice to Saint-Saens’ romantic, sensual score.
Once again, as with the The Mastersingers of Nuremberg a few months ago, Melbourne Opera has presented us with a splendid production that we would not have otherwise seen. We are fortunate to have them.
| Melbourne Opera will stage Saint-Saëns’ grand opera Samson & Delilah from 1 June at the Palais Theatre. One of the greatest French operas, Samson and Delilah powerfully tells the story of the seduction and downfall of Samson. Not performed in Australia since the 1980s, the iconic opera will star two of Australia’s most celebrated international singers. Deborah Humble (The Ring Cycle, Sydney Opera House solo) will make her debut in the role of Delilah, one of the greatest mezzo roles in the repertoire. Rosario la Spina (Opera Australia’s Die Walküre, Madama Butterfly – Belgium) will star as Samson. Melbourne’s visionary opera director Suzanne Chaundy will direct. The French opera follows the extraordinary success of February’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnbergat the Royal Exhibition Building, also directed by Suzanne Chaundy, with Deborah Humble in the cast. Samson & Delilah is based on a violent and erotic story from the Old Testament, and features one of the most well known love duets in the repertoire. “I am setting the opera in a psychological and abstract space. My vision is to focus on the characters of Samson and Delilah, examining the power of seduction, betrayal, obsession and faith. It is a fascinating study of the pressures that come from being the ‘chosen one’,” says director Suzanne Chaundy. “French composer Camille Saint-Saëns and librettist Ferdinand Lemaire made a clear choice to make this work about both characters by naming them both in the title. It is primarily an opera about a relationship between two powerful people who are from diametrically opposed cultures.” The opera features two extensive dance sequences, and is a well known chorus opera. The consistently acclaimed Melbourne Opera chorus will perform under Raymond Lawrence, who also conducts. Two of Delilah’s arias are particularly iconic, ‘Printemps qui commence’ (Spring begins) and ‘Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix’ (Softly awakes my heart). Melbourne Opera, which receives no government funding, stages multiple full-scale productions each year on Melbourne’s main stages. The company gives many young singers and musicians invaluable professional experience at the outset of their careers in the company of distinguished experienced artists. As well as mainstream repertoire, the company also presents many lesser-known masterpieces. www.melbourneopera.com Behind-the-curtain updates: @MelbourneOpera |
| Samson & Delilah Credits CastDeborah Humble – Delilah Rosario La Spina – SamsonSimon Meadows – High PriestEddie Muliaumaseali’i – Old Hebrew Jeremy Kleeman – Abimelech Henry Shaw, Josh Erdelyi Gotz and Asher Reichman CreativesDirector – Suzannne ChaundyConductor and chorus master – Raymond Lawrence Choreographer – Chimene Steele-Prior Set Designer – Jacob Battista Costume Designer – Rose Chong Sung in French with English subtitles. Tickets available via Ticketmaster |
| About Melbourne OperaSince forming in 2002, Melbourne Opera has become one of the nation’s leading professional opera companies, with significant community engagement, a large group of philanthropic supporters, a unique national training role and strong regional presence. With a history of performance which has presented more than 60 operatic productions, across the traditional operatic repertoire, including bel canto, Wagner, Verdi, Puccini, including several Australian premieres. |