We’ve been so busy with preparations for the forthcoming performance of Verdi’s “Macbeth”, we’ve had no time to blog! So, here’s an update from the rehearsal room.
The cast really enjoy working with each other, with the two tenors, Macbeth and Macduff, matched to perfection. The strong, heroic tenor of John Upperton, currently singing in “Gianni Schicchi” at the Royal Opera House, is perfectly complemented by the youthfully innocent tones of our Malcolm, Yuri Sabatini.
Stefan Unterleithner, our Banco, arrived from Vienna just for our rehearsals. His young, resonant bass-baritone is so free and bold, it really is going to impress.
Beatrice Danesfield is getting more and more into the role of Lady Macbeth. She says she now knows exactly how Lady Macbeth thinks and why she does what she does. This is a bit worrying…
Robert Presley is Macbeth. He spins the velvety legato line quietly in his final aria – and you just know how much it hurts to see your life turn to nothing. Awesome in the traditional meaning of the word! However, we do wonder if he’s getting too much into the role sometimes – his favourite phrase at moments of crisis is “Where’s that dagger”!
English Opera Singers present Verdi’s “Macbeth” in concert
24th October 2009 at 7pm, St James Piccadilly
