 | Further information ... |
|
|
|
La Vie Parisienne!
Sunday, 10th October 2004
Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall
Please click here for the programme.
The Hall for Cornwall experienced a glittering, glamorous evening of entertainment featuring an array of celebrated soloists led by the superb voice of soprano Suzanne Manuell and including Mark Boocock, Cheryl Brendish, Kay Deeming, Ben Hoadley, John Hobbs, Louise Merrifield, Derek Rowse who brought their own style and wit to the evening and the ladies and gentlemen of the chorus of Duchy Opera under the exciting new tutelage of Paul Drayton as Chorus Master.
Conductor, David Frost led the Duchy Opera Orchestra in accompanying many of the pieces performed throughout the evening both vocal and dance. The 90 minute gala included some much loved classics from the Tales of Hoffman, La Traviata, La Boheme and Faust from the chorus to arias, duets and ensemble pieces from Romeo et Juliette by Gounod, Depuis le Jour by Charpentier to Song of the Flea by Berlioz and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien made famous by the infamous Edith Piaf.
The glamour and splendour of 1950’s Paris was brought to life by designer, Kathy Brown. “By setting the Gala Evening in the Paris of the early 1950’s I wanted to break away from the usual themes reminiscent of the ‘Gay Paree’ period of the 1890’s.” said Kathy.
“This meant we were able to include a little 20th Century music into the programme - Satie, Poulenc, Faure – and even a dash of Edith Piaf! Post-war Paris produced some of the most exciting fashion artists and designers in the world, none more so than the immense confidence of the Dior’s New Look. The sharp geometric shapes suit my own rather calligraphic style of design and have provided the inspiration for the both the set and costumes.”
Joining Duchy Opera on stage were the highly successful, Duchy Ballet who added their own touch of glamour to the evening with music from the ‘Naughty Nineties’ to waltz and can-can across the magnificent Hall for Cornwall stage.
"Duchy Opera is quality all the way, from attractively printed programmes to imaginative production. Their policy is to be ‘comparable to that of a major national touring company"
Eric Dare, West Briton 2003 |
