Der Rosenkavalier Garsington Opera

Der Rosenkavalier is staged at Garsington as a summer opera spectacular in a country setting. The production is set in decadent post-war 1950s Vienna, contrasting fading aristocratic traditions with a rapidly modernising world. The story follows the Marschallin, an older aristocratic lady, and her young lover Octavian, blending farce, romance, and wisdom. The opera is presented as a tribute to the beauty and power of the female voice, including three female leads and one trouser role. Matilda Sterby delivers technically accomplished vocals as the Marschallin, though some key moments lack emotional depth. Niamh O'Sullivan performs Octavian, with additional roles including Baron Ochs and Sophie.

"Set in decadent post-war 1950s Vienna, where fading aristocratic traditions stand in contrast to a rapidly modernising world, the work's underlying messages seem particularly powerful. The story of Der Rosenkavalier follows the Marschallin (Matilda Sterby, making her Garsington debut) and her young lover, Octavian (Niamh O'Sullivan). Blending farce, romance, and wisdom, this opera is a tribute to the beauty and power of the female voice, with three female leads (one in a trouser role)."

"The Marschallin, an older aristocratic lady, is one of the most challenging roles for a lyric-dramatic soprano. While Sterby delivered beautiful and technically accomplished vocals, her Marilyn Monroesque Marschallin somehow seemed a little too young for the role. The monologue Da geht er hin' and her following aria, both key moments in Der Rosenkavalier, lacked emotional depth for me. But perhaps I'm setting the bar too high."

"Travelling to Garsington for a summer opera spectacular is always a treat. The stunning setting, together with an evening of exemplary opera, seldom disappoints. Der Rosenkavalier, a late-Romantic opera by Richard Strauss, has a fairytale storyline perfect for an idyllic evening in the country. This production, directed by Bruno Ravella with design by Gary McCann, was originally staged in 2021 to critical acclaim, but to a limited audience following lockdown."

Read at www.london-unattached.com