The free concert series in the RBA kicked off on Wednesday with, as usual, a performance by the artists of the COC’s Ensemble Studio.  Owing to illness only five singers performed and only one of those, Emily Rocha, was a returnee.  The other four singers and both pianists were newcomers.  It was short but enjoyable.

Baritone Ben Wallace started things off with the “Largo al factotum” from The Barber of Seville.  It was nicely characterised with lots of energy and some swagger.  He’ll be singing Figaro in the student performance of an abbreviated version of Barber on February 20th next year so that’s something to look forward to.  Excellent accompaniment from Kimly Wang.

Tenor Angelo Moretti gave us “Il mio tesoro” from Don Giovanni.  He has power to burn, all the notes and pretty good breath control.  I think he could pull back on the sheer volume for Mozar and concentrate a bit more on colour and shade but I seriously doubt that Mozart is his long term future so.  Kimly at the keyboard again.

Mezzo Ariana Maubach sang “Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix” from Samson et Dalila.  If you are going to do sexy mezzo this is the aria and it got the proper smokily sensuous treatment..  I look forward to seeing more of Ms. Maubach.

Emily Rocha’s programmed number was “Je veux vivre” from Roméo et Juliette.  I guess she’s covering the mainstage run.  It was suitably lively but I felt that the “Deh vieni non tarda” that she pulled out of the bag at the end sat rather more comfortably for her.  It was lovely.

Finally bass-baritone Nick Murphy, accompanied by Elisabeta Cojocaru, sang “Miei rampolli femminini” from La Cenerentola.  He has no shortage of power and something of a flair for comedy.  Maybe his fure lies as Don Pasquale or the like.  We shall see.

So, short but a good start to the ES year.

Photo credits: Chris Hutcheson