Mozart Cosi Fan Tutte, Clonter Opera, April 2009

"It's no surprise that the wise and witty Don Alfonso is the linchpin of Clonter Opera’s new English-language Cosi Fan Tutte. Perhaps even more crucially than usual, he is the master of ceremonies in the evening of carefree fantasy that (with Mozart’s help) almost becomes real tragedy. And I can’t help thinking that in him we see embodied the wit and wisdom generously poured into this ever-enlightening opera. 

"Director Geoffrey Saunders has visited it before, after all. There is scarcely a trick in the staging and presentation of it that he will miss. Musical director Robin Humphreys – also piano accompanist – is the consummate stylist. The highly effective design, evoking lazy days by the Mediterranean, just long enough ago to be believable, is by Eleanor Wdowski, a newcomer to the Clonter scene this year and a great asset. Philip Edwards’ lighting – with a gentle change of background colour evoking the passage of daylight into evening – is impeccable. 

"But the whole point of Clonter’s operation is to give an opportunity to young singers to show what they can do, and it is here that the success of the evening must most clearly be marked. 

"Paul Carey Jones (Alfonso) is established in his career, of course, and his skill and command of the stage – as well as rich and accomplished singing – were a constant delight. 

"But the other five principals are each of such quality that I feel sure each will be making their individual mark in time to come. Ione Cumming (Fiordiligi) not only has the range of timbre and the power to do justice to her role but is a real operatic actress. Carolyn Dobbin (Dorabella) – likewise vocally equipped with colour and resource – brings a comic gift which complements her ‘sister’s’. Andrew Dickinson (Ferrando) is that rare find, an unforced, warm and confident high tenor, and Lukas Kargl (Guglielmo) a baritone of burnished quality who puts his voice at the service of the drama and not vice-versa. Miranda Sinani (Despina) – oddly enough, a genuine Albanian, in contrast to the fake ‘Albanians’ the two men are supposed to be in the story – can act and sing in perfect English with great stage impact and lively characterisation."


Robert Beale, Manchester Evening News, 27th April 2009




Cosi fan Tutte Clonter Opera

"1920s Naples is the setting for Clonter Opera's production of Mozart's Cosi fan Tutte, which has opened at Swettenham Heath. Although the company is presenting only two showings of this comic masterpiece, the other being tonight, the cast delivered a performance worthy of many more as the opera was brought to life in a refreshing, vibrant way.

"Six singers took to the small stage to create an intimate, personal atmosphere and, while there was no orchestra in sight, pianist and musical director Robin Humphreys accurately turned out the score. Singing as sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella were Ione Cumming and Carolyn Dobbins, both of whom sang and acted convincingly. Andrew Dickenson and Lukas Kargl brought life and many comic moments to their lovers Guglielmo and Ferrando, while Miranda Sinani's performance as the maid Despina was wonderfully interpreted, as was Paul Carey Jones's trouble-causing Don Alfonso."


Liz Rowley, The Sentinel, 24th April 2009

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