Last Saturday to a packed Leeds Town Hall, Opera North completed their huge commitment to Wagner's monumental Ring cycle with a thrilling concert performance of its final part.
An immensely strong cast was led by Alwyn Mellor, a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the power and ease of her soprano voice propelling a distinguished international career.
Last year's star, the tenor Mati Turi as Siegfried, was back again and found full voice in Acts 2 and 3. His opponents, baritones Mats Almgren as Hagen and Eric Greene as Gunther, made compelling impressions in parts somewhat different.
Smaller roles were also admirably effective like Orla Boylan as Gutrune, Gunther's sister, and Susan Bickley as Walrante in a searing duet with her sister Brunnhilde.
In command throughout was Opera North's Music Director Richard Farnes whose unfailing grasp of pacing inspired the orchestra to superb heights, as well as the chorus to riveting effect.
The four parts since 2011 of Wagner's masterpiece are complete and plans are now afoot for complete cycles, presumably to be staged in 2016, the 140th anniversary of the first cycle at Bayreuth, Wagner's own theatre in Germany. * The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester, July 5. Call 0843 208 6000 for details.
John Pettitt
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article