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Triumph of artistic endeavour

NABUCCO was the first of Verdi's operas to bring the composer real recognition of his talents and it brought to the world one of the most haunting of choral compositions, the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves.
Last week Kentish Opera presented the work

at the Churchill Theatre in a new production that was a triumph of artistic endeavour.
The performances in the leading roles brought a special quality to the opening night. Soprano Elaine McKrill, in particular, generated a great sense of evil as the slave Abigaille whose desire for power blinds her to the true nature of the appalling deeds she commits. It was a dynamic portrayal, mesmeric in its intensity and faultless in its interpretation.
It also provided a powerful contrast to the performance of mezzo-soprano Pauline Birchall as Nabucco's daughter, Fenena, radiating gentleness and compassion.

Dominated

The rich bass-baritone and acting talent of Gary Coward brought a great presence to the role of Zaccaria, high priest of the Hebrews. He dominated every scene in which he appeared. Baritone Michael Fitchew, too, was ideally cast as Nabucco, whose constantly shifting moods were expressed with considerable skill. Tenor Matthew Elton Thomas also made an impact as Ismaele.
Kentish Opera has exceptional talent in its artistic director Sally Langford, who manages to draw pulsating performances even from those actors in the most insignificant roles; the members of the chorus were involved in every part of the action and the quality of their singing added a special dimension to the production.
Even though Enid Strutt's' atmospheric set design provided the main background for each of the four acts, comparatively simple changes allowed the scenes to move from location to location with an equally real sense of place. With the help of a fine orchestra conducted by Stephen Harris and excellent costumes from Carol Stephenson, this production was professional at every level, absorbing and artistically rewarding throughout.

ROY ATTERBURY
Kentish Times 20th April 2000