A review of Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri at the Garsington Opera by Tim Arnold.

Summer officially began in South Bucks with the opening of the Garsington Opera’s 2016 season at Wormsley near Stokenchurch.

One could almost hear a collective sigh of relief among music fans as temperatures soared into the mid-70s for the company’s first production of the year: Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri.

The opera demands a light touch if its miracles of wit and finely-honed action are not to be lost and the cast did not disappoint.

Mary Bevan, a former St Bernard’s Convent, Slough, student, shone in the glinting evening sunlight as Elvira, wife of Mustafa, who complains that her husband no longer loves her. Mary had the right mixture of attitude and comedic timing that made the most of the role. We are used to taking her pitch-perfect voice for granted.

Quirijn de Lang as the chieftain – and cheatin’ husband - was a good foil, projecting the supreme confidence and occasional madness of an absolute ruler.

The other part of the love triangle, Isabella, was played by Ezgi Kutlu with great presence, thanks to her beautiful big eyes, which reminded one of a silent screen goddess. She carried the production throughout with grace and skill.

Riccardo Novaro effortlessly stepped into the part of Taddeo, her companion, despite his last minute substitution for the ailing Geoffrey Dolton.

Director Will Tuckett, making his Garsington debut, staged the production on a vast, white, wave-shaped set, suggesting a 1930s art deco Hollywood film lot. It struck exactly the right note, amplifying Rossini’s dramatic and emotional intensity. Aas did the orchestra, conducted by David Parry, who has championed the composer’s unique style of playing at Garsington since 2002.

The audience retired during the interval for the customary picnic in the grounds of the Wormsley estate, perhaps reflecting that the production stayed true to Rossini’s original idea while down-playing its controversial themes of misogyny and racism.

Personally, I can’t wait for the next Garsington visit. So long as the weather holds off. Here’s to a long, hot summer of opera at the Wormsley Estate.

Details: 01865 361636, garsingtonopera.org