UK Theatre Network

Though Verdi’s La Forza has many plot twists that seem far too coincidental, the Opera Holland Park current production is certainly an example of minimal staging with maximum impact.

Daughter of Seville Leonora (Gweneth Anne Jeffers) attempts to elope with Inca blood prince Don Alvaro (Peter Auty )  but in the midst of their escape is startled by her father who is accidental killed by Alavaro. Leonora is condemned to flee, later becoming separated from Alvaro.  

Action goes to Seville at war – the chorus were in fine voice and acted as a living set , using  Alison Chitty’s   designs of black and red to evoke wartime and hunger. 

Leonora’s  brother Don Carlo (Mark Stone ) embarks on a sojourn of vengeance to find the lovers, who  eventually by chance are both seeking refuge at a monastery headed by   Padre Guardiano (Mikhail Svetlov).

Though a first ever production for OHP, audiences would recognize the overture for this work, regularly played by classical music radio and featured in the film Jean de Florette.

The performance of the evening and indeed for me the season so far  was from  Gweneth Anne Jeffers.  Her Leonora is exquisite, her voice caresses notes one by one – she is a joy to listen to. Even the most hard hearted critic could not fail to appreciate what a talented performer Jeffers is.

 With an animated  Stuart Stratford  leading  the City of London Sinfonia, this piece is  a memorable night at the opera.

July 27, 29, 31, August 4, 6, 10, 12, 14