Review: Don Giovanni at Buxton Opera House

The English Touring Opera are currently touring the country with three operas this spring; on Saturday they performed the classical Don Giovanni by Mozart at the Buxton Opera House.
Camilla Roberts (Donna Anna) and Robyn Lyn Evans (Don Ottario) in Don Giovanni, performed by English Touring Opera.Camilla Roberts (Donna Anna) and Robyn Lyn Evans (Don Ottario) in Don Giovanni, performed by English Touring Opera.
Camilla Roberts (Donna Anna) and Robyn Lyn Evans (Don Ottario) in Don Giovanni, performed by English Touring Opera.

This performance was sung in English and the version was presented with subtitles on screens thus ensuring that all present could get the story.

Mozart’s haunting and elegant score was beautifully performed by an orchestra conducted by Michael Rosewell.

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The unique setting was in the world of underground Vienna in the early 1900s and the design of a static set worked very well with a metal staircase.

Don Giovanni is one of the best loved of all operas, with a dramatic story and uplifting music. Part thriller and part comedy it is the story of a womaniser whose conquests come back to haunt him.

The plot opens with Don Giovanni (George Von Bergen) fleeing from the scene of a murder; is he a hero who defies all authority or a murderous villain? Don Giovanni is pursued by his past, including a jilted lover, Zerlina a future bride and Donna Anna the haughty daughter of his latest victim. Meanwhile his long suffering servant, the cheeky Leporello (Matthew Stiff) brings comedy and witty one liners to the performance.

The magnificent opera ends with a chilling supernatural conclusion.

Buxton Opera House was full and clearly the audience were delighted by this production.