No excuses can hide the criminal actions of a Nazi fellow-traveller in this admirably objective documentary, suggests MARTIN HALL
High-production lollipops
DAVID NICHOLSON relishes an evening of operatic classics
CROWD PLEASER: WNO reaches out to the widest possible demographic
PAUL DONOVAN relishes a fascinating exploration of the leading lights of the Labour right in the 1970s
BEN LUNN alerts us to the creeping return of philanthropy and private patronage, and suggests alternative paths to explore
A novel by Argentinian Jorge Consiglio, a personal dictionary by Uruguayan Ida Vitale, and poetry by Mexican Homero Aridjis
MIK SABIERS savours the first headline solo show of the stalwart of Brighton’s indie-punk outfit Blood Red Shoes
New releases reviewed by IAN SINCLAIR
STEVEN ANDREW is moved beyond words by a historical account of mining in Britain made from the words of the miners themselves
Opera Favourites
Welsh National Opera, Cardiff
A SELECTION of famous operatic arias and chorale work had an enthusiastic audience demanding more from Welsh National Opera’s night of Opera Favourites.
The production of crowd-pleasers was chosen to delight existing opera lovers and entice new audiences. That is part of WNO’s offer to the public as it strives to keep opera in Wales affordable and accessible to the widest demographic. Welsh chorale singing has a proud working-class tradition and this is reflected in the mixed audiences for WNO’s usual bill of operas.
That is in marked contrast to how opera is often regarded as an art form for society’s wealthy elite. There is no custom of dressing for the opera at the WNO’s home at the Millennium Centre, unlike some London houses I have visited. Putting on an evening of classic pieces would have the purists frowning as well, offering “lollipops” to the masses and dumbing down the art form.
Similar stories
DAVID NICHOLSON welcomes an overdue revival of WNO’s classic production, complete with protests against cuts
DAVID NICHOLSON sees in the new year in grand orchestral style, courtesy of the fine musicians of the WNO
DAVID NICHOLSON signs a petition to view a thrilling operatic performance saved by the concerted industrial action of its orchestra and chorus
