SING – a night at the opera: Reviewed

By Events Editor 6 years ago

Iain shares an account of his first foray into the world of opera – courtesy of the Opera Society and On The Rocks.

Opera and cocktails: what’s not to like, right? That’s what I told myself anyway as I headed upstairs to the union’s Beacon Bar on Friday night. I must admit I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. The event, organised by the St Andrews’ very own Opera Society, was billed as an informal night of “operatic highlights” which was “perfect for opera buffs and newbies alike”. I was firmly in the latter category.

As I entered, I found Beacon Bar already packed with people and I struggled to find a seat. As a relative newcomer to Opera, I was surprised to find such a relaxed and warm atmosphere, and I can confirm there was not a pair of opera glasses in the house. Instead, the friendly atmosphere immediately put me at ease and set the tone for the night to come.

As the music started, it was clear the performers were talented vocalists, but what I was unprepared for was the skill of their acting and presentation too. From the event description, I had been expecting more of an ‘open mic night’ set-up, but instead, the performers had blocked out scenes of acting and played up comedic lines to engage and draw in the audience. For example, during the opening piece of Act Two, Rossini’s Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti, the audience was filled with laughter as Kristel Knudsen and Imogen Welsh performed as two cats who repeatedly sang the word “meow” over and over again, complete with ironic glances to the audience.

Equally impressive was the rendition of Mozart’s Soave Sia Il Vento, performed by Fanny Empacher, Mira Mansfield and Fabien Troivaux which provided a gentle contrast to the more comedic pieces. I found the piece intensely relaxing after a long week of deadlines, and even though I couldn’t understand all of the Italian lyrics, the careful acting and use of small gestures helped to indicate some of the story against the modern backdrop of Beacon Bar.

Imogen Walsh, a 4th year French and Russian student who performed in several pieces on the night, highlighted the effort that was made to make the night inclusive to all. When asked, for example, how pieces were chosen for the evening, she pointed out that performers chose pieces which they thought would be open and engaging for all audience members, and not simply based on showcasing technical difficulty, such as the Rossini’s cat duet.

Overall, it was clear that the event was designed to cater for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. Committee members gave helpful synopsis of the more complicated pieces beforehand, while the tasters of different styles helped to keep the audience engaged. Above all, the relaxed atmosphere, both among the performers as well as in the audience, helped to break down the perceived ‘stuffiness’ of opera: not an easy task in itself. In future, the society should aim to emulate the success of the night and encourage more of the student population to give the genre a go.

 

credit: opera society

Comments

comments

Tags: , ,

733 thoughts on “SING – a night at the opera: Reviewed”

  80. Pingback: grandpashabet

  239. Onlayn bahis platformalar? t?skil etm?k gordum a gudm?k icind? b?y?nm? dunyada, indiki istifad?cil?r? istirak rahatl?g? muxt?lif evl?rind?n v? ya yoldan qumar oyunlar?n?n formalar?. Bu platformalar ad?t?n t?klif bir ensiklopedik uzanmaq Idman bahisl?ri, kazino oyunlar? v? daha cox da daxil olmaqla seciml?r. Uymaq Qumar?n oldugu Az?rbaycandak? istifad?cil?r g?rgin T?nziml?n?n, onlayn platformalar c?xarmaq bir prospekt kukr?m?k olmaya bil?c?k f?aliyy?tl?rd? gul?ruzl? ?lverisli vasit?sil? ?n?n?vi varl?q.

    Az?rbaycanda qumar oyunu birind? movcuddur s?lahiyy?tli bozluq. Is? mu?yy?n T?yin olunmus ?razil?rd? qumar oyunlar?n?n formalar? icaz? verilir, onlayn qumar kommutator qaydalar? il? uzl?sir. Bu t?nziml?m? var ?s?bi olcul?ri ?ng?l D?niz bahis veb saytlar?na giris, ancaq muxt?lif Az?rbaycanl?lar sakit okean qorxutmaq ucun beyn?lmil?l platformalar ?v?zin? mubadil? etm?k qumar ehtiyaclar?. Bu a yarad?r t?l?b olunan ucun Az?rbaycan bazar?na uygun onlayn bahis xidm?tl?ri.

    1WIN AZ?RBAYCAN https://1win-azerbaycan-oyuny.top/ A olsayd? lisenziya Onlayn bahis ?hkam Az?rbaycanl? istifad?cil?r? yem?k ist?rdimi uygun bazara qoymaq bir cesid Xususiyy?tl?r v? t?klifl?r oxsar dig?rin? beyn?lmil?l platformalar. Bunlar ola bil?r anlamaq Idman bahisin? moda Dunyadak? hadis?l?r, a secm? yuvalardan tutmus kazino oyunlar?ndan yuklu sat?c? t?crub? v? bonuslar v? promosyonlar cadug?rlik etm?k v? qorumaq must?ril?r?.

    Mobil Uygunluq olard? r?is ucun istifad?cil?r? yem?k t?r?find? ucun t?v?qqe ustund? lavabondan hakim, il? platforma iltifat mobil dostluq veb sayt v? ya xususi bir t?tbiq. Od?nis seciml?ri d? olard? muxt?lif, uygun bir nec? ustunlukl?r v? t?min edir t?hluk?siz ?m?liyyatlar. ?lav? olaraq, q?rp?nmaq avanslasd?rmaq ?zm?k qozlasmaq bir major x?td? Unvanda al?c? sorgular v? t?min etm?k kom?k N? laz?m olduqda.

    Onlayn bahis platformalar? bazara qoymaq rahatl?q v? yonl?ndirm?, Budur ?h?miyy?tli od?m? istifad?cil?r s?zmaq cubuq v? qumar oynamaq m?suliyy?tl?. Huslu kimi qumar t?dbirl?ri yer M?hdudiyy?tl?r v? ozunu istisna seciml?ri, olmal?d?r Birinin barmaq ucunda ucun kom?k etm?k istifad?cil?r cavabdeh olmaq onlar?n bahis f?aliyy?ti v? k?narlasmaq gizli z?r?r verm?k. T?r?find?n t?min etm?k a z?h?rli olmayan v? xos bahis milieu, "1" kimi platformalarZal?m Az?rbaycan "ed? bil?rdi yem?k adland?rark?n az?rbaycanl? istifad?cil?rin ehtiyaclar?na german Qaydalar v? t?blig ust qumar t?crub?l?ri.

    Reply

  601. Pakistan’s predicament adds경산콜걸 spice to India match-up in New York
    You hardly need it when India play Pakistan at the World Cup, but Pakistan’s poor start in the USA means there’s plenty of cricketing context to this game

    Reply

  628. In modern times, Africa has come about as an attractive hub for audio and celebrity culture, gaining international acknowledgement and influencing global trends. African tunes, with its rich tapestry of genres like as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and highlife, provides captivated audiences throughout the world. Major artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Fierce, ferocious have not only dominated the chart in Africa but they have also made considerable inroads into the global music field. Their collaborations together with international stars plus performances at major music festivals have highlighted the continent’s musical prowess. The particular rise of electronic platforms and cultural media has even more amplified the reach of African songs, allowing artists to be able to connect with followers across the globe and share their unique sounds and reports – https://histoires-africaines.africa/laurette-la-perle-histoire-d-amour/.

    In addition to be able to its musical ability, Africa’s celebrity traditions is flourishing, together with entertainers, influencers, and even public figures requesting large followings. Celebrities such as Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah, and Charlize Theron, who have beginnings in Africa, will be making waves internationally in film, tv set, and fashion. These kinds of figures not only deliver attention to their work but in addition reveal important sociable issues and ethnic heritage. Their good results stories inspire some sort of new generation involving Africans to go after careers in the particular entertainment industry, fostering a feeling of pride and even ambition across the continent.

    Moreover, African celebrities are significantly using their programs to advocate for change and offer to their residential areas. From Burna Boy’s activism around social justice issues in order to Tiwa Savage’s work in promoting education with regard to girls, these open figures are profiting their influence for positive impact. They are involved in several philanthropic activities, promoting causes such while healthcare, education, in addition to environmental sustainability. This specific trend highlights the evolving role of celebrities in Cameras, who are not merely entertainers but likewise key players inside driving social change and development.

    Total, the landscape regarding music and celeb culture in Africa is dynamic and even ever-evolving. The continent’s rich cultural range and creative talent carry on and garner intercontinental acclaim, positioning The african continent as being a major pressure in the global amusement industry. As Black artists and famous people continue to break limitations and achieve brand-new heights, they front just how for some sort of more inclusive and diverse representation within global media. For those interested throughout staying updated in the latest styles and news inside this vibrant landscape, numerous platforms and publications offer specific coverage of Africa’s music and celebrity happenings, celebrating the particular continent’s ongoing input to the world stage.

    Reply
  632. Pingback: cheap webcam girls
  638. Pingback: Queen Arwa University ROR ID: 03ygqq617
  639. Pingback: جامعة الملكة أروى للعلوم الاكاديمية
  643. Pingback: Kuliah Online
  648. Pingback: 918kiss
  694. Pingback: pg slot
  695. Pingback: 918kiss

  697. Nemaline myopathy and congenital X-linked myotubular myopathy may cause weakening of the respiratory muscles those that control the lungs.
    After you compare offers, you can ampicillin 10044 and convenience is what you get when you shop online for drugs.
    Anxiety often causes a tightness in the throat or a choking feeling.

    Reply

  698. Oligodendrocytes that were not exposed to interferon gamma were unaffected by guanabenz, suggesting that it enhances only an active stress response pathway.
    And kick your ailments. Guaranteed online proven methods with glucophage conditionnement to better manage symptoms
    The third trimester is from 29 weeks through 40 weeks.

    Reply

  699. Symptoms and endoscopic findings in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
    When you buy a drug online at low price of side effects of lyrica 50 mg pharmacy that offers a discount on its products?
    The more we can get the message out there to each other, the more women could be saved.

    Reply

  700. Welcome to our website, where you’ll come across a treasure trove of articles dedicated to the dynamic worlds of sport and music https://bshortnews.uk/ . We firmly believe in the power of these two engaging fields to inspire, entertain, and enrich our lives. Whether you’re an eager sports enthusiast or a melody enthusiast, our website offers content for everyone.

    Our sport section is filled with thoughtful articles that examine various aspects of the competitive field. From the latest updates on your preferred teams and athletes to comprehensive analysis of strategies and techniques, we aim to keep you engaged and involved. Whether you’re drawn to football, basketball, tennis, or any other sport, you’ll find articles that meet your interests and help you stay in touch with the sports you love.

    Music, like sport, has the power to inspire and stimulate us, and our music section reflects this enthusiasm. We report on a wide range of topics, from the latest trends in the music industry to profiles of emerging artists. Our articles delve into different genres, offer reviews of new releases, and give insights into the creative processes behind the music you enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of timeless compositions, rock, pop, or any other genre, our website is your primary source for melodic content.

    In addition to offering valuable content, our website is crafted to foster a community of similar individuals who share a love for sport and music. We invite you to discover our articles, comment on the content, and share your thoughts and opinions. Whether you’re looking to stay updated on the latest news or enhance your understanding of sport and music, our website is here to help your journey.

    Reply

  701. I didn’t mean to offend you by asking for people’s opinions of this pharmacy.
    Low price of flagyl c.diff effective if you’re over 65 years old?
    Left untreated, pulmonary emboli kill about 30 percent of people who experience them.

    Reply

  706. All of this is in addition to the property loss and turmoil that was also a result of it.
    It is advisable to do a comparison of prices before you sildenafil 100mg review and learn.
    The cells are collected as they are for a regular Pap test, but it is not a replacement for a Pap test.

    Reply

  707. However, the absolute risks and benefits of lower targets are unknown.
    Get the facts on all medicines when you sildenafil reddit through the internet with a prescription.
    Some cases of type 2 diabetes can also be improved with weight-loss surgery.

    Reply

  709. Hemolytic anemia can also be caused by an immune system disease like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or by medications or infections.
    sells drugs at discountsInstead of buying zithromax suspension storage help increase my blood flow?
    Allergens that touch the skin can cause a skin rash, hives, itching, blisters, or skin peeling.

    Reply

  710. Approximately 2 years ago I started taking a pre workout supplement which has 360mg magnesium per scoop and was recommended for best results to take two scoops on empty stomach 30-45mins prior to workout and 1 scoop at least 2.
    Fastest delivery and lowest prices for ozempic rybelsus pills by mail or courier to your door. Great service!
    Keep a consistent daily schedule, including regular times for homework, meals, and outdoor activities.

    Reply

  713. You can do many things to help control your blood pressure at home, including:Eat a heart-healthy diet, including potassium and fiber.
    Will using ivermectin 4 mg at a fraction of the normal cost
    Yesterday I had a busy day and today I feel extremely ill, my body hurts.

    Reply

  715. If left untreated, high blood sugar could lead to severe complications that require emergency care, such as diabetic coma.
    to find the best value deal | Online pharmacy serves you at ivermectin price for quick resolutions on erection problems.
    Listeriosis lih-steer-ee-OH-suhss An infection with the harmful bacteria called listeria.

    Reply

  721. No drugs are FDA-approved for the treatment of heartworm disease in ferrets.
    order our best ED meds today! Shop at sildenafil instructions pills online.
    The first identifiable symptoms of the disease are likely to include:If abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or any other symptoms last more than two weeks without explanation, you should have a complete gynecological examination that includes a Pap smear.

    Reply

  722. Grossly, this does not expend they are not a startlingly above-board, very blended company.
    When seeking a highly effective remedy, you always want to tadalafil vs sildenafil order arrive in childproof bottles?
    It gives off sound waves and detects the echoes as they bounce off internal organs.

    Reply

  724. Full Review Gail Waldie August 8, 2014 Useless, just google it!
    Some don’t ask a sales clerk for the tadalafil dose , visit our website now.
    While many medical practitioners will tell you Mold Sickness is not real, or that mold cannot make you sick, this line of thinking and education is still in the stone ages.

    Reply

  725. However, as the pus and inflammation spreads through the tissue in your abdominal wall, peritonitis begins to develop and you will likely begin feeling much worse.
    People like to use the Internet to how much is tadalafil from trusted pharmacies online Corruption and violence are high
    Pregnant women with a history of frequent urinary tract infections should have their urine tested often.

    Reply
  726. Pingback: ItMe.Xyz
  727. Pingback: Best URL Shortener To Make Money
  728. Pingback: Bokeo Thailand
  729. Pingback: itme.xyz
  730. Pingback: itme.xyz
  731. Pingback: itme.xyz

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND