Opera in Concert – Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux

Paula Citron

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Roberto Devereux
Opera in Concert
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
Music Director & Piano by Alison d’Amato
Starring Colin Ainsworth, Lara Ciekiewicz, Jennifer Ens Modolo, Justin Welsh and Stefan Fehr
Jane Mallett Theatre
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Opera in Concert began its 35th season with an exciting production of Donizetti’s 1837 Roberto Devereux. The impressive music director/pianist was American Alison d’Amato who absolutely understands bel canto tempi and the nuances between the slow cavatina and fast cabaletta.

Tenor Colin Ainsworth was Roberto and there are intriguing changes in his voice. Long known as a haute-contre, he is developing a strong middle which means his high notes might be taking a beating until the voice settles. Nonetheless, his phrasing was exquisite and clearly a new repertoire is opening.

Lara Ciekiewicz as Queen Elizabetta is a young soprano with enormous potential. Her voice is a bit wild but thrilling. Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Enns Modolo as Sara is another wonderful voice in flux, from early music to something more meaty. Baritone Justin Welsh as Nottingham doesn’t quite have the bel canto top notes yet but his is a big robust sound, while tenor Stefan Fehr as Cecil has a vibrato with promise.