Past Production Reviews
2Every year, in the southern border triangle of the Raab Valley, the Summer Festival takes place in the impressive natural setting of Tabor Castle. Despite the open-air performance in good acoustics. For the second time Mrs. KS Brigitte Fassbaender directs in Jennersdorf. She succeeds in directing the singoper in a short-lived, humorous and slightly ironic way. Although she sets the action in the 20th century, she leaves Flotow's plot line, and the aristocracy is also very successful - dressed in plaid by Mrs. Lienbacher. An integral part is the orchestra from Brandenburg, the Junge Philharmonie, which was involved with visible enthusiasm and was also very well rehearsed and dispositioned by the designated general manager of the Badisches Staatstheater Prof. Fritzsch . Which is certainly to be appreciated in this through-composed opera with the young orchestra. The series was alternated by the stv. GMD Aachen's wife Yang looked after. Another annual plus is the Philharmonia Choir . In this opera there is plenty of opportunity for the chorus to present itself and shine, and the Vienna Choir uses this as well. The ladies are occupied by the youthful-sounding Renate Pitschneider , the manager's wife and Sarah Laulan . Both perform convincingly and Ms. Laulan in particular masters Nancy's difficult, lower tones with bravura and a surprisingly changeable voice. The Viennese bass-baritone Andreas Jankowitsch , who also has a convincing voice, also has a laugh on his side. This also applies to the young Tyrolean bass Andreas Mattersberger , who was able to convince as Plumkett, as he did in Graz this year. Certainly a voice that will always make people sit up and take notice.
The story can be told quickly. An English lady named Harriet is persuaded by her friend Nancy to visit the Richmond market to combat her boredom, which even an aristocratic suitor (Sir Tristan) can't quench. In this market, female workers are placed with interested employers. Unintentionally, the two ladies are employed by two inn tenants (Plumkett and Lionell) with earnest money. But the ladies prove to be resistant to work and flee despite the electric fence being attached. But before that, Cupid has already struck, which is why the abandoned gentlemen are beside themselves with disappointment and lovesickness. But fate wants them all to meet again and, after various trials and tribulations, become two happy couples . As later in many romantic operas, Martha impresses with the inclusion of many choral scenes. The children's and youth choir under Alexandra Rieger and the Vienna Philharmonia Choir under choir director Walter Zeh are perfectly and seamlessly integrated into the piece, both musically and theatrically. Not least because of the selection and quality of the singers, the opera visitor will experience an unforgettable evening. This is the case at Tabor Castle. MARTHA/ Lady Harriet Durham, Lord Tristan Mickleford and Nancy/ Photo © Valentin Blüml The female main role is filled by the experienced Austrian soprano Renate Pitscheider with a youthful and bright sounding voice and a fine acting instinct. The French mezzo-soprano Sarah Laulan sings and plays Nancy with a lot of temperament, body language and enthusiasm. Above all, she masters the difficult deep tones with her changeable voice. The Viennese bass-baritone Andreas Jankowitsch convinces as Lady Harriett's cousin and admirer with his acting ability, wit, joy of playing and singing experience. He gets the laughs on his side as he takes off his plaid cap to find the plaid on his bald head. The Tyrolean bass Andreas Mattersberger is the perfect counterpart to the bizarre Nancy. He convinces the audience with a melodious bass and stage presence.
