We rarely have the opportunity in Greece of performances of baroque music, especially of baroque operas , since the only Opera in Greece, the G.N.O seems to have an aversion for it. Therefore the Concert Performance of the rarely heard Farnace by Vivaldi was a welcome change in the Greek operatic dry land.
The opera was given ( with the necessary cuts, there was no chorus with narration by Frezy Mahera) in the context of the Mediterranean Festival of Kallithea which is now on it’s 7th year, under the Artistic Direction of Marita Paparizou who undertook the principal role of Farnace.
The concert took place at the acoustically excellent Catholic Church of the Annunciation (17/9/22).
The cast was composed of young singers who performed as a cohesive group, all of them soloists in their own rank. The Orchestre du Soleil was conducted by Maurizio Colassanti.
In the title role Marita Paparizou was truly a revelation. Her flexible voice and impeccable technique gave us the full dramatic spectrum of the role, especially at the central aria “Gelido in ogni vena” , with its dramatic undertones and the sudden changes of mood. Her expressive contralto voice revealed the full color spectrum of Vivaldi’s score.
Margarita Sigeniotou was an exemplary Tamiris. Her voice is perfectly suited for this kind of repertoire, it is warm , creamy and expressive, and did full justice to the music. A real joy to listen to. Let us hope that she will have the opportunity to sing more baroque music.
A great surprise was Agapi Papamitsou as Gilante. Her great aria “Quel’ usignuolo” was a revelation. Her silvery toned voice and her coloratura technique allowed her to give a truly remarkable performance.
Rosa Capon Poulimenou is no stranger to the Festival, and her comeback in the role o Brenice was welcome. The voice is solid and expressive, her phrasing and musicality of the highest level. This repertoire fits her voice like a glove.
Nicoletta Ieridou was indeed the surprise of the evening. She gave a stellar performance in the role of Celinda. Although young her voice is a promising for a great future international career as long as she is careful of the roles she chooses. Her voice is flexible, with beautiful colors, and perfect for Vivaldi.
Efi Ddimitrellou possess a silvery voice perfectly suited to the baroque repertoire. Her performance was exceptional and revealed a flexible voice across the register. We hope to hear her again in the concert hall and not only.
Giannis Kavouras as Pompeo sang with poise and feeling . He is an accomplished singer and delivered his aria with musicality and feeling.
Maestro Maurizio Colassanti conducted with fervor and brio the Orchestre du Soleil an Orchestra composed of musicians specializing in the baroque genre. He is no stranger to the Festival, having conducted an exceptional “Juditha Triumphans” at the same Festival last year. He is an accomplished musician, who is attentive to every detail of Vivaldi’s score and led the Orchestra in a fiery performance.
One has to mention the cembalist Frixos Mortzos whose excelent playing was essential to the performance.
All in all it was a great evening, in the perfect location and the perfect soloists, Orchestra and Conductor.