Layout 1
Set in 19th century India at the time of British occupation, Lakmé, the daughter of a strict Brahmin priest, becomes involved in a forbidden love affair with Gerald, an English army officer. The clash of cultures and customs drives the action, which moves between the exotic confines of the sacred Temple and the colourful, cosmopolitan bazaar. There are also flashes of comedy arising from characters at odds with their surroundings which help to soften an ultimately tragic outcome.
Whilst infrequently performed, ‘Lakmé’ contains what is surely one of the most well-known melodies from any opera - the ‘Flower Song’ duet having been purloined to promote British Airways; as always, the commercial world knows a good tune when it hears one. This, together with the coloratura showpiece ‘Bell Song’ forms part of a wonderfully lyrical work, which unites oriental and western harmonies and rhythms to underline the tensions in the story.
Delibes himself is probably best known for the ballets ‘Coppélia’ and ‘Sylvia’, and was greatly admired by a number of his contemporaries, notably Tchaikovsky who was apparently so struck by the score for ‘Sylvia’ that he bewailed his own music for ‘Swan Lake’!
Regular Guildford Opera audiences are familiar with its excellent soloists and will again, not be disappointed . Making their debut with the company are Hannah Dobra in the title role and Tom Morss as Gerald. Simon Wilson, who also played the heroine’s father in ‘The Bartered Bride’ last autumn here plays a very different sort of parent as the unrelenting priest Nilakantha. Joining Lakmé in the famous ‘Flower Duet’ is Thalie Knights as her faithful maidservant, Malika, while George Coates sings the role of Frederick, Gerald’s friend.
The setting of Guildford’s Holy Trinity Church is perfect for a work that has at its heart a powerful religiosity. At the same time, Stage Director Kevin John captures the colour, pizzazz and mystique of the orient as perceived by people who are essentially outsiders.
The adapted score for piano duet loses none of the power of the original, particularly in the hands of our two fine pianists, Judith Flint and Laurie O’Brien. With Music Director Lewis Gaston at the helm audiences are indeed assured of being transported to the heavens by some truly magnificent singing.
Fully staged with Grand piano for four hands and chorus, performed in English with surtitles.
Tickets: £20, £10 for children and students available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre, High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ 01483 444334 www.visitguildford.com.