La Cenerentola

La Cenerentola is another gem from Rossini, with truly beautiful music, the most famous example being the overture, very beautiful and playful. The production is well designed, and there is some truly excellent support from the orchestra. There are exquisite sets and costumes, yes it is a little old fashioned, but I think they were trying to stay close to the period in which the opera is based. Very good performances too, particularly once again from Gino Quillico as Dandini, Quillico has great comedic timing, and it was this that made him stand out among the rest. Walter Berry almost steals his fire, in a virtuoso vocal performance as Don Magnifico, and Ann Murray is certainly appealing in the title role. The singers of Clorinda and Tisbe, Angela Denning and Daphne Evangelatos, were also excellent, their interpretations were certainly funny and nasty. La Cenerentola is a bit too long, and I will confess some of the plot I have always found a bit confusing. But I say, the rest is a joy, making it a truly splendid production. 8/10 Bethany Cox.