It is only natural that the principals or leads receive the greatest plaudits in all forms of entertainment, be that opera, ballet, musical theatre, theatre or film. Those that are often given short shrift constitute the chorus or the ensemble and yet, truth be told, they are integral to the success of a production. I am not saying they are ignored altogether, but it is more than likely that they will receive a quick comment, amounting to a line or two. It could be as little as “the chorus was in fine voice”. Recognition to be sure, but little more than that.
So, along comes an opportunity to mark the excellent work of a chorus, in this case Opera Australia’s songbirds. No less than 44 choristers – soprano, mezzo, tenor and bass – perform a total of 18 numbers from the legends of opera. I speak of the likes of Wagner, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Mozart, Offenbach, Strauss and Bizet, under the baton of Paul Fitzsimon. With direction from Matthew Barclay and arrangements by Simon Bruckard, several of the choices are instantly recognisable, others not, at least not to me.
What is immediately obvious is the power and passion in the voices that harmonise so magnificently. One piece transitions seamlessly into the next, with an unbroken narrative flow. The subject matter is varied, from the religious to the romantic, the military to the reverential. The choristers are at times buoyant and celebratory, while on other occasions more restrained, reflecting the mood of the libretto.
Chorus! is expertly choreographed and for that movement coordinator Tony Honeysett deserves high praise for, mark my words, this IS a performance. In the opening number, Wagner’s Pilgrims Chorus from the German opera Tannhäuser, men arrive on stage one by one. Later, the women join them in similar fashion. Shapes, patterns and sequences are established here and throughout the showcase – men and women of in clusters and then separated.
It is a bare stage, with the odd prop used to illustrate one work from the next. The items are basic. It could be a cap, beanie or scarf, a tea light candle, champagne bottle or confetti. Simple, but effective. That is also where spot lighting comes to the fore, the endeavour of Matthew Marshall. Costuming could best be described as casual or, perhaps, neat casual, giving the appearance of the everyday or the working man (and I use the term generically). After all, that is what choristers do, they literally sing for their supper as a collective, with poise and panache.
From the poignant Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly to Pagliacci’s lively Bell Chorus, Chorus! is a unique and memorable musical and theatrical offering. It is special and another fine production from Opera Australia. Only an hour in duration, it is playing at Geelong Arts Centre until 15th November, 2024.
