The performance by the WNO of Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss was a stimulating and rewarding experience. The opera is unusual and unique due to it's two different acts, one comedian one Wagnarian.

In outline, a rich Viennese businessman has commissioned a serious opera and a lighter piece of comedic entertainment to be performed for his guests after dinner. During the first act we see the opera singers and the comedic troupe getting ready to perform. Matters become fraught when the Major Domo, excellent spoken by Richard Van Allan, tells them that his master wants the two parts of the planned performance to be performed simultaneously. Uproar ensues, with the composer and the diva becoming incensed and outraged, which is heightened when it is announced that due to a planned firework display the whole entertainment must now be shorted to fit the time available. More laughs a plenty ensue, in this mad-capped, hilarious and delightful payout.

The composer played on this occasion by Imelda Drumm was performed with great passion and skill, attempts to defend the integrity of his creation during the act. Objections are overcome by the simple expedient of the Major Domo explaining that it is his master who is paying and therefore the Music Master played by Gerd Grochowski and the Dancing Master played by Brian Galliford set about melding the two performances into one. Zerbinetta, played by Katarzyna Dondalska, the coquettish leader of the comic troupe is strong and vibrant in her duet with the composer when she almost persuades him to accept the fusion of the works.

In Act Two the OIpera and the vaudeville begins with Ariadne mourning Theseus, having been abandoned on the island of Naxos. Janice Watson is excellent in this tragic role, to which she brings great feeling and vocal skill. Zerbinetta again gives a strong performance when she tries to persuade Ariadne that another man will some come along and the clowns, trying to console her demonstrate impressive vocal and comedic skills.

The harlequinade gives both Zerbinetta and the clowns a further opportunity to demonstrate their verbal and comic skills before Bachus, forcefully and eloquently sung by Peter Hoare, arrives to console Ariadne and after a powerful and beautifully rendered duet the two ascend to heaven.

The music of Strauss was feeling interpreted by Anthony Nexus. The set for the Act One was excellent, it's busyness reflecting the hectic activity of the preparations for the entertainments. The minimalist setting for the opera proper in Act Two enabled full emphasis to be focused on the powerful, evocative and passionate singing of Janice Watson and Peter Hoare and the backcloth of moving stars, seemingly disappeared in to the distance, supported by the moving climax.

A challenging and rewarding evening with the WNO who once again have proved why they are one of the world's top Opera companies. A real treat for newcomers to the art, and those already passionate about the Opera. The WNO have done it again!

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