Page 104 - FINAL_Guildhall Media Highlights 2019-2020 Coverage Book

example, although it is not weighed down with the notion of her dying, the

opening in which Sister Edgar ‘soliloquises’ at her bed can only bring to
mind Le Prieure’s scene from Dialogues des Carmélites. Her later
‘monologue’ feels rather like Peter Grimes’ own in Act III of Britten’s opera,
while parts of the score feel reminiscent of Philip Glass, although not

necessarily of his penchant for repetition.
Elsa Roux Chamoux is a highly engaging Sister Edgar, with her mezzo-
soprano proving clear and secure across this big sing, and her portrayal of
the ageing nun being quite convincing considering she is playing a

character far older than herself. Harriet Burns is an extremely effective
Sister Grace, displaying a radiant soprano and suitably concerned persona.
There are also first rate performances from Damian Arnold as Ismael, who
reveals a strong and striking tenor, while the countertenor of Collin Shay as

the Tour Guide and soprano of Lara Marie Müller as the Pregnant Woman
also leave an impression. Notwithstanding the size of Sister Edgar’s part,
this is very much an ensemble piece, and alongside the excellent wider
chorus there is a smaller group of five Observers whose harmony singing is

extremely tight and accomplished.

The other star of the evening is Martin Lloyd-Evans’ staging itself, with
Gregor Donnelly’s set designs putting us right at the centre of The Bird. The
majority of the audience sit inches from the central stage with the graffiti
wall on one side of them and the orchestra in a sunken pit on the other.

Beyond the latter is the space from which Esmerelda is apparently seen
after her death, and where the earlier subway fire takes place. The smoke
and lighting effects, courtesy of Robbie Butler, portraying this are highly
effective and would work equally well for any production of Die

Walküre or Götterdämmerung.
Casts vary over the run, with Cast A (described above) performing on 24
and 28 February and Cast B on 26 February and 2 March. For further
details visit the Guildhall School of Music and Drama website.

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