Mozart’s incomparable masterpiece achieves a remarkable feeling of anxiety and every sort of confusion which pervades music and situation alike. But sung in English? And a libretto by Kit Hesketh Harvey instead of that by Mozart’s most famous librettist, Lorenzo da Ponte? Well, it is a gamble!

Christopher Monks, founder and driving force behind Armonico Consort has not had the best of luck with his leading singers in recent productions. He lost two to sickness in the successful Dream of Gerontius and sadly lost the singing capability of Oliver White (Basilo) in Figaro. Fortunately Gareth Morris stepped into the breach and sang from the wings whilst Oliver continued to act and mime on stage. Gareth sang with considerable passion. Should the gamble have been taken to ask him to act as well?

Daniel Grice (Figaro), Joanna Boag (Susannah) and Simon Thorpe (Count) sang with distinction and proved they could be comedy actors. However, the words they were asked to sing in English introduced some awful lines: “rock on, still time to get a frock on” is one of the least memorable offerings! So Kit Hesketh Harvey is having great fun with the effervescent delights of Mozart and on balance probably pulls it off. This is in many ways thanks to the capable leads well supported by Katie Bird (Countess) and the Orchestra of the Baroque, led by Kelly McCusker. Though few in number, they created a most delightful sound.

Christopher Monks’ leadership is fundamental in promoting the innovative productions for which Armonico Consort is becoming well known.

Clive Peacock