Melbourne Opera: Il Trovatore review

Melbourne Opera is at the height of their powers as they deliver a truly thrilling new production of Verdi classic Il Trovatore. Musical excellence and compelling dramatic action are perfectly balanced in this expertly prepared, insightfully directed staging. In high rotation on the world’s opera stages, Melbourne has been sadly lacking in seasons of Il Trovatore for many years; thankfully, this production has been well worth the wait. Conducting the very opera that served as his introduction to the art form, maestro Raymond Lawrence leads the Melbourne Opera Orchestra in a highly detailed performance featuring colourful expression, crisp percussion, and many a thrilling tempo. Lawrence’s equally exacting preparation of the Melbourne Opera Chorus is heard not just in the glorious wall of sound they often create but also in the beautifully controlled pianissimi sequences. The Chorus responds with gusto to Barclay’s spirited direction, also performing the occasional choreography of…