Review: 4MBS Opera Spectacular
The June 2021 Brisbane City Hall 4MBS Opera Spectacular was a veritable feast of delights for the opera aficionado and newcomer alike. With memorable performances of a number of well-known pieces, 2021 4MBS Festival of Classics closed with an event that exceeded all expectations. And a very special way in which to celebrate Queensland Day.
And expectations were already extremely high, as travel restrictions meant that the program centred on home-based, world-class performers: Eva Kong (soprano), Milijana Nikolic (mezzo soprano), Rosario La Spina (tenor), Kang Wang (tenor), and José Carbó (baritone).
I am no opera buff, but even I recognised and greatly enjoyed a number of popular arias and duets. The concert began with a stirring performance of the popular ‘Drinking Song’ (from Verdi’s La Traviata), as each of the singers promenaded through the hall. The applause had barely died out before we enjoyed Eva Kong and Kang Wang’s gorgeous performance of Puccini’s La bohème ‘Love Duet.’ Rosario La Spina’s moving lovesick lament by Cilea had the audience in raptures, and we were only at the third piece in the program.
Personal highlights from the program were Milijana Nikolic’s Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen (the vocals were more than a match for ‘that’ dress), Rosario La Spina’s uplifting Granada, Kang Wang’s lyrical No puede ser and fabulous Bizet Pearlfishers’ duet with José Carbó , and the all-star finale (of the show from Act II of Donizetti’s Luica di Lammermoor), where the performers were joined by Opera Queensland’s rising star, Timothy Newton.
The Brisbane Symphony Orchestra may be a community orchestra but, under the baton of Maestro Dane Lam, the musicians gave a highly professional performance. And the orchestra members clearly also enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the recent Australian Honours of their Founding Conductor, Antoni Bonetti AM, when performing the second half opening piece under Bonetti’s baton (from Bizet’s Carmen Suite No 1). I am sure that the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra’s families, friends, members, and sponsors are immensely proud to be associated with them.
If you had the chance to attend this wonderful event Brisbane City Hall, I am sure these great photographs will bring back some happy memories. And if you were not able to make this special event, look out for future 4MBS Festival programs, and sign up for any opportunity to see Maestro Dane Lam.
Verdict: The June 2021 Brisbane City Hall 4MBS Opera Spectacular was a veritable feast of delights for the opera aficionado and newcomer alike.
Audience information: The Opera Spectacular was the closing show in the 2021 4MBS Festival of Classics program. Tickets for the 6th June 2021 performance (3pm) were $25-$89. For future Brisbane City Hall events, I’d definitely recommend stalls seating.
The reviewer attended the 6th June 2021 performance.
All images credit Creative Futures Photography.