Heritage House recital a treat for Whanganui opera fans

(from Left) Harry Grigg, Natasha Wilson, Chelsea Dolman, Samson Setu

What more could the capacity audience at the New Zealand Opera School's luncheon recital at Heritage House yesterday have asked for?

Nothing.

It was perfect.

Four glorious young singers sang a selection of opera arias and musical theatre songs.
Accompanist was virtuoso pianist David Kelly, who made even the most difficult music seem effortless.

The splendid aria Come Scolgio from Mozart's Cosi fan tutte sung by Chelsea Dolman was a magnificent start to the recital.

Samson Setu's gorgeous rendition of Vi ravisso (La Sonnambula, Bellini) showcased a young baritone voice which melded perfectly with the music.

Destined for operatic heights is Natasha Wilson, who sang Je veux vivre (Romeo and Juliet, Gounod).

Her pure soprano voice soared and tipped every top note with enchanting ease.

Young South Island tenor Harry Grigg from a sheep station near Cheviot, sang Vainement,
ma bien-aimee - Le Roi d'Ys - Lalo with a tight technique showing he will also be a name in our music future.

A cliche maybe but there truly were very few dry eyes in the house as the two women sang the Flower Duet (Lakme, Delibes)...otherwise known as that song used for the British Airways TV Ad.

And heading into some musical theatre, Samson singing Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific, Hammerstein) had many in this audience sighing with pleasure and happily reliving old memories.

Sprightly and gay was Natasha singing I could Have Danced from My Fair Lady - a perfect Eliza Doolittle.

This annual recital by the opera students has become so popular over the years that dozens of punters start turning up at 10.30am to get a good seat.

It doesn't actually start until 1pm because there is a sumptuous luncheon in the foyer to enjoy first.

A beautiful. beautiful midday opera treat for Whanganui.