© Robert Workman
Jonathan Tetelman (Rodolfo) and Natalya Rominiw (Mimi) in ENO revival of La Bohème
To return to this perfectly crafted opera, however "hackneyed" might seem to be, is such a pleasure when executed with such conviction as currently in the revival of Jonathan Miller's production. It opened on Monday evening to a full house - ENO is in great shape. And I have little doubt that the press will be enthusiastic in welcoming such a well sung and beautifully acted evening, with some really excellent young singers showing the way for the future of this great company.
So, in voice order - Natalya Romaniw is making her ENO debut as a gloriously full voiced effortless Mimi, although its difficult to believe that this thoroughly healthy young woman should die......but suspend disbelief and revel in these vocal pleasures. Nadine Benjamin is a one off, unique Musetta - truly marvelous vocally, and consolidating the success achieved with her Clara in Porgy and Bess. She has, I suspect, now established a foothold in the company with these two achievements.
Then we have a new name - Jonathan Tetelman looking and sounding an ideal Rodolfo - and multi-voiced Simon Butteriss delivers two delicious cameos as Benoit and Alcindoro. Wonderful!
The other boys are beautifully balanced, with a charismatic, both vocally and personally, Marcello from debutant Nicholas Lester, a notable major role debut from young Bozidar Smiljanic as Schaunard, and a lovely dark bronzy voiced Colline from David Soar.
And all this is held together by Alexander Joel in the pit - and to the highest standards with the ever excellent ENO Orchestra and Chorus. Its heart warming to see ENO in such excellent artistic shape.
Meanwhile I have spent the last couple of days with my colleagues from Salzburg, Evamaria Wieser and Adrian Kelly, listening to young singers at the Guildhall, RCM and RAM, candidates for Salzburg's young artists programme which has been such a notable feature of the Festival's programme over the last number of years. I suspect that there will be some students from London next year! Meanwhile this evening I am back at the RCM for their Figaro. More about that tomorrow!
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