Orfeo ed Euridice 2015About Turn Theatre Company
Read more about the opera Orpheus and Euridice
Following last year's critically acclaimed Dido and Aeneas, About Turn moved on to a second short piece from the opposite end of the baroque era.
Gluck's much loved masterpiece was given in a new English version, with soloists, a small chorus of seven, backed by a chamber ensemble of violin (Julia Hamilton), cello (Amy Donaldson) and keyboard (Conal Bembridge-Sayers or James Ewing).
The programme specified that Lucilla Graham, one of the choristers, sang Orpheus 'at certain performances'.
On Saturday 22 August, the part was played by Magid El-Bushra. Our reviewer thought his performance, and that of Olivia Clark as Euridice stood out in what was a thoroughly engaging performance musically.
The production, in a contemporary setting, was enjoyable, though sometimes the visual aspects detracted from the music. Production notes in the programme placed much emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of comatose patients, and a hospital gurney made an appearance. Some of the colourful costumes also caused comment.
