Past Performances
Die Fledermaus
Presented at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, October 16 and 17, 2010Excerpts from review by Brad Bird, Oceanside Star
Celebrating its 10th year of bringing classical music to Oceanside, Vancouver Island Opera mounted a much-appreciated production of Die Fledermaus Oct. 16 and 17, the comical operetta it first staged in excerpts in 2004.
This was the full version, accompanied by an orchestra, chorus and soloists whose rich, trained voices filled the auditorium in Qualicum Beach Civic Centre Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. "It was lovely, just lovely," said Gloria Wyse, of Parksville.
"The music was uplifting," said Kirsten Juergensen, who had also been to Madama Butterfly, VIO's show last fall. Even the younger set got into it. Noel Stuart, 9, said she really liked it.
Angus Stuart, in the main role of Eisenstein, said he greatly enjoyed the weekend performances. He said it gives him great joy to be able to bring pleasure to others through music, which is his passion. He has performed full-time in Europe, but since returning to Canada he has had to take on other jobs as well.
Heidi Muendel, in the title role of Rosalinda, said she will be returning to Europe soon to audition, and may decide to live in Germany because of the greater opportunities it affords. As the maid, Adele, Rachel Stewart dazzled the audience with her beautiful voice and physical charms.
Other soloists were Riley McMitchell (Falke), Harout Markarian (Alfred), Eddie Moran (Frank), Michelle McKenzie (Prince Orlofsky), and Althea Toynbee-Ristanovic (Ida/Olga). John Arsenault - normally on stage as a tenor - distinguished himself as the conductor. Under his hand, the orchestra performed with precision and fine musicality. This production adds to Arsenault's growing resume as a conductor. He has also performed in at least three VIO shows as a starring tenor.
Die Fledermaus featured eleven solo performers, including local residents Albert Davies (Frosch, the jailer), Len Mustard (Ivan) and Susan Warner (Dr. Blind and chorus member). The local chorus included Noreen Conway, Albert Davies, Jo-Anne Finley, Caroline Hammill, Carolyn Hateley, Lois Hayes, Carmen MacLean (of Victoria), Miriam March, Osric Murrell, Carol Nixon, Hugh Sinnott, Suyi Zhuo, Brigitte Stefani, Karen Stewart, Brad Bird, Larissa Tchernova, Ernie Tesluck, Eleanor Thompson, and Susan Warner. It has been rehearsing since August under the direction of Vasilieva and Carolyn Hateley, with accompanist Ruth Bard.
Excerpts from review by Lissa Alexander, Parksville-Qualicum Beach News
The crowd at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre tapped their feet and sang along to certain parts of the operetta, Die Fledermaus, a comedy that translates to "The Bat."
The magnificent and striking voices of the main performers emanated through the hall, while jovial chorus scenes crowded with local performers kept the mood lively and gay.
The Vancouver Island Opera Orchestra put on an spectacular performance, made up of talent from several symphonies, including Vancouver, Victoria and Vancouver Island. Vasilieva said the concert master, Calvin Dyck, did an excellent job selecting the best musicians around and she was thoroughly impressed with conductor John Arsenault. "The conductor did a wonderful job," she said. "He kept the orchestra together, following him to the last note. It was so satisfying because not so many conductors are able to do that."
Vasilieva said following the shows, which ran Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, that she received many e-mails praising the performances and inquiring about next year's event.
