The opera gives hits
When the Gothenburg Opera House opened their gates four years ago it strove to become a opera house providing the audiences with high quality performances. On the big stage it has mostly been opera and dance, and I think it has managed to fulfil its goals of quality.
A few times a year the repertoire is extended. They provide the audience with lighter entertainment without giving up the quality. This autumn they give the West-Swedes five evenings with Musical Concerts, where the soloists themselves have composed the programme with what they prefer to perform. The first evening concert was held this Saturday before an absolutely filled theatre.
The Gothenburg Opera House's orchestra stood for the music, and as conductor they have managed to hire Anders Eljas - known from among other things his co-operation with Benny Andersson in both Chess and Kristina från Duvemåla.
The orchestra had been placed on stage, so that everyone both could see and hear it.
With an inspired and a committed way Anders Eljas managed to get the orchestra to make grand achievements. One could feel that the orchestra had fun and did its very best.
As singing soloists they had hired five of the best in the country in the field. Only one is part of the Gothenburg Opera House's resident company. That's the mezzosoprano Marie-Louise Hasselgren. She came to the Grand Theatre in 1971 and has done many noticed interpretations on both that theatre and in the Gothenburg Opera House. The four others soloists are: Helen Sjöholm, Myrra Malmberg, Tommy Körberg and Svante Thuresson.
Even as I saw the list of participants, I understood that this was going to be an evening to remember. The great expectations were fulfilled with a good measure!
After the finale the audience rose spontaneously and thanked with long and loud applause. Everyone felt that the soloists too had given their best. One noticed that they felt comfortable, and that they simple enjoyed participating in this concert. I'm convinced it was a very pleased audience that left the theatre to wander home in the nasty autumn weather.
For many Helen Sjöholm has become synonymous with Kristina från Duvemåla. Her fantastic efforts as the leading lady in that musical has stuck in many's memories. When she acts on stage she does it feeling, warmth and charm. So she did in the Gothenburg Opera House's this October evening, too.
Myrra Malmberg is perhaps more known abroad than in Sweden. She is one of few Swedes that have managed to compete on the stages in London's West End. Last year she did the female lead Christine in Phantom of the Opera, when it was performed on one of the more known London theatres. On top of that she has made a number of recordings that have caught much attention and participated in a number of television shows and a number of movies. By the way she will return to Gothenburg as soon as in spring. She will then participate as Maria in Gothenburg Opera House's production of West Side Story.
Tommy Körberg certainly needs no extended presentation. He is well known to most Swedes after a number of noted efforts on several areas both domestically and abroad. Not least was he noted for playing the lead in Chess when it played in London.
Svante Thuresson is also part of the group of well-known artists. He has participated in numerous recordings, shows and performances in people's parks around the country. He is something of a Nestor in Swedish music.
The evening gave many hits. Famous parts of musicals by Irving Berlin, Gershwin, Styne, Lloyd Webber, Sondheim, Bernstein, Cole Porter and Benny Andersson amongst others were presented by the soloists. Mostly it was one soloist that sung, accompanied by the large opera orchestra, but a number of times it was two or more that participated together. Everyone sang with great feeling, fire and an enormous charisma and emotion. The soloists didn't leave out their show-pieces. When Tommy Körberg performed "Anthem" from Chess and Helen Sjöholm "Du måste finnas" from Kristina från Duvemåla they pulled down even more applause.
Gothenburg Opera House's venture in this type of entertainment fills a large need. Not least does the large audiences show this. I'm convinced that, the coming four performances will fill the house. One thing is certain - they that come will get a few very pleasant hours in the Gothenburg Opera House.
Åke Bendix
NOTE: This is a translated article and Hallands Nyheter is in no manner responsible for incorrect translations. The opinions expressed in this article does not in any manner reflect the opinions of this site.
For more information visit detail page or Gothenburg Opera House.
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