I cannot recall a time when I have been disappointed by a production of the Vancouver Island Opera in the last eight years.
Once again, VIO artistic and staging director — and founder — Taniana Vasilieva found the cast, musicians and supporting players to stage an excellent opera at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
Vasilieva turned again to some of her favourite performers from Vancouver to play the lead roles. By now, the leads have become familiar to local audiences — with a few new faces to mix it up.
Soprano Rachel Stewart was set to perform the lead role of Adina, but a case of laryngitis kept her from singing the part in Saturday night’s opening show. Vasilieva said singer Chloe Hurst of Burnaby was available and came over to the Island Saturday morning to rehearse the part.
“I had done the role before,” she said after the Sunday matinee performance. “And it’s quite common in professional opera for one perfson to sing and the other to perform.”
So, it was Stewart on stage, and Hurst in the orchestra pit, singing the role of Adina. Stewart was able to recover and did the whole job Sunday afternoon — admirably, I might add. She is a veteran of VIO productions, having played the lead in 2008’s Carmen.
Vasilieva said the switcheroo went over well, and some people didn’t even know about it until afterwards.
Stewart’s co-star Harout Markarian stole Sunday’s show. His performance, lamenting his lost love in the second act elicited calls of ‘bravo, bravo’ from the audience. His performance of Nemorino, a poor peasant in love with Adina, was well-received. His grip on the love elixir made the audience root for his chances for love.
First-time VIO performer Jason Cook played an arrogant sergeant, vying for Adina’s love. Cook is a great performer, whose facial expressions portrayed the characteristics of a good foil for Nemorino.
While much to show is focussed on those specific performers, they are backed up by a strong ensemble cast — most of which who have been with VIO for years. Ed Moran being one of them. Another expressive actor, Moran as Dr. Dulcamara was another great match of performer and role. He is such a strong singer and paired well for an unforgettable duet with Markarian in the first act.
“It was a really good show, Vasilieva said after. “I am proud of everyone, they were a real ensemble.”
The shows were emotional ones for Vasilieva, who lost her husband, Nicholas Maloff to a stroke a week prior. The shows went on, of course, and the ensemble received a standing ovation at Sunday’s conclusion.
Attendance Sunday was disappointing — but the show itself was not. Here’s hoping supporters of the arts — especially opera — return to the next VIO offering.
editor@pqbnews.com
