New opera - "The Poet and the Prophetess " - fabulous !!

Well, well- brrrrrrr ! Anna (L) and I duly arrived in Umea to a much cooler temperature than we left in Stockholm, but we were well prepared and wrapped up warmly - much snow is still about, especially in large heaps, dumped everywhere by snow ploughs over the past few months, resulting in muddy, naturally sculpted abstracts ... fascinating... the which word aptly describes the magnificent production of Mats Larsson Gothe's new creation as above - it really was a great surprise to find such a wonderful production of a new piece, brilliantly staged and executed with total dedication by the entire company - and I mean everybody in the building ! There was such an air of excited anticipation and we were not disappointed. On the contrary, Magnus Aspegren, (a long time aquaitance from Stockholm Opera Hogskolan) directs a company that is the envy of many much larger cities worldwide - congratulations on your inspirational artistic achievements Magnus ! How wonderful to discover this fine presentation on top (almost) of the world. You can read much more about our evening in the national press, or on line, suffice it to say that the ensemble was lead by the exciting, radiant voiced tenor, Goran Eliasson, his phrasing, colouring and beautifully timbred voice lifted one - Oh, how refreshing to hear such a perfect interpretation of the poet, vocally and histrionically convincing. He is perfectly matched by Elisabeth Strid, the soprano with a glorious, warm voice - why haven't we heard more of them before this - maybe this will be the beginning of a new era of bel canto, as opposed to "can belto" .....The entire cast and orchestra are thoroughly supportive and make this a rare treat... much of this due to the choristers with their slighly differing styles from either side of the equator - the refined European school, and those open throated, vibrant voices from South Africa - extraordinry contrast and equally pleasing. The dancers are to die for - ZAP..WHAM.. WOWEEE - how Mats Ek and Ana Laguno wolud like them , I certainly did ....my feet were itching to join in - some hope with my maturity !! All in all, a most inspiring evening. If you can, make the effort to support this inspiring evening - or go to Cape Town in September (I think). Spring has finally arrived "back at the ranch" here in S'holm - picnic in brilliant sunshine out in the garden with lovely neighbours - birds warbling away, children giggling and playing... peace ond serenity.....k..p b.......g...Happy spring...