MICHAEL DRAKE Norwich Theatre Royal

MICHAEL DRAKE

Norwich Theatre Royal

Continuing the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, Glyndbourne Touring Opera presented another new production from their summer festival, and if one were to recommend a work to those unsure about opera, this would be at the top of the list.

The sub-title “a school for lovers” has an attraction in itself and Nicholas Hytner's direction lets the principals express their feelings fully - via some of Mozart's most beautiful music, itself given great account by the orchestra conducted by Rory Macdonald.

Sung in Italian with English super-titles, it is hard to believe this commission from Emperor Franz Josef II was a comparative failure, apparently due to the supposed weakness of daPonte's libretto.

But last evening, in a performance of pace, there was no weakness of any sort.

The loving couples were vocally compatible, and Andrew Kennedy (as Ferrando), Rodion Pogossov (as Guglielmo), Aga Mikolaj (as Fiordiligi) and Jenny Carlstedt (as Dorabella) exuded character. Add the scheming Despina of Claire Ormshaw and the male chauvinist Don Alfonso of Henry Waddington and here was a hugely enjoyable performance.