Page 199 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

Ouston captured the yearning fantasy of Zanetto, a mournful and unsatisfactory piece that
nonetheless touches the heart. It also makes immense vocal demands, well met by both.

Thando Mjandana and Laura Lolita Perešivana in Rita. Photograph: Mihaela Bodlovic

Donizetti’s Rita is a woman with two husbands: the former, violent, the current downtrodden.
Annoyingly Husband No 1, assumed dead, turns out to be alive. This always insightful composer
manages to make humour out of complex, uneasy human truths. Soprano Laura Lolita
Perešivana showed pizzazz as the confused wife, with tenor Thando Mjandana and
baritone Chuma Sijeqa beguiling as her decidedly unbeguiling menfolk.

A few ensemble problems in the Donizetti aside, the orchestra played with energy and dedication;
so much talent, and so much hope for opera in its ever darkening hour.

• Guildhall’s Opera Triple Bill concludes Monday 9 November, free live stream, 7pm