Much loved globe-trotting soprano Jessica Pratt made a very welcome return to the Melbourne stage last night, delighting a capacity audience at the voluminous Palais Theatre with focused bel canto program Bravo Bellini. Bravo indeed!
Well overdue for a Melbourne appearance (stupid global pandemic), Pratt has only gone from strength to strength in regard to her pristine vocal technique and empathetic emotional intelligence. Largely freed from the constrictions of music stands, Pratt sang each role as if in a full performance, significantly enhancing the power and beauty of the music with its intended emotional context.
Having achieved tremendous success with a trio of highly memorable Bellini operas in concert, Pratt and maestro Richard Mills chose to delve further into the revered composer’s canon, presenting scenes and highlights from Norma and I Puritani before gamely spending the entire second half on rarely heard gem Beatrice di Tenda.
While past concerts have involved a international guest or two, there is no such need when local tenor Carlos E. Bárcenas is such a sterling co-star. Already enjoying warm chemistry with Pratt from past appearances, Bárcenas made an excellent stage partner last night, readily mirroring Pratt’s effort with thorough preparation and whole hearted performance levels.
The Melbourne audience has seen Bárcenas grow from a Young Artist to a confident, accomplished performer with star presence all of his own. In Bravo Bellini, Bárcenas’ clarion tenor rang out with crisp steely beauty. He may have been challenged by one high note in I Puritani but swiftly returned to form and otherwise delivered a perfectly polished performance.
Opening Norma duet “Svanir le voci!” required two tenors, and Bárcenas was capably joined by emerging artist Alastair Cooper-Golec.
Joining the three singers in exploring the beautiful Bellini repertoire was a full contingent of Orchestra Victoria, out of the pit to be a key part of the glossy stage picture. Lovingly shaping the music, Mills led the orchestra to a suitably sumptuous and detailed rendition of the delightfully melodious music. For a vocal concert, the orchestra was very generously represented in the program and the musicians certainly rose to the occasion.
In an improvement from 2019 Pratt concert Heroic Bel Canto, the performance of Bravo Bellini utilised surtitles, bringing further welcome clarity to the very well realised emotional performances of the singers. As with the previous concert, Mills introduced the items with notes on their composition and plot context. Although Mills’ insights were valuable, his rough and ready, jocular tone tended to be at odds with the gracious, formal presentation of the singers.
Not only bringing the musical prowess, Pratt also brought the glamour. Bravo Bellini was a three frock affair, with Pratt beginning in austere black and white before switching to glossy siren-red with glittering black wrap. For the second half, Pratt changed to a dark midnight blue gown with elegant floating panels. Each ensemble was accompanied by brightly sparkling jewellery. The swanky stage picture was completed with each of the male singers in black tie and tuxedo.
The sinfonia and tenor duet from Norma were followed by iconic soprano cavatina “Casta Diva,” which provided Pratt an early triumph as she brought the house down for the first of several times in the evening. In a meticulous calibrated performance, Pratt balanced seemingly effortless power with gorgeously controlled pianissmi.
Moving to I Puritani, an atmospheric “Uragano” from the orchestra was followed by an ardent Romanza from Bárcenas. Pratt joined the tenor for the soaring duet, “Arturo? Si, è desso!” This fitting finale to the first half was also encored at the end of the night.
Orchestra Victoria brought the Beatrice di Tenda sinfonia to life, with Pratt then floating impeccably through Beatrice’s tender act one cavatina “Respiro io qui.” While the act one finale of Beatrice di Tenda ended on a surprisingly quiet moment, the act two finale, sung by Pratt and Bárcenas was a far more spirited offering. Clearly another bel canto Bellini gem, a full staging of Beatrice di Tenda would be an appealing proposition.
Leaving her adoring fans wanting more as she jetted straight back to Europe, Pratt’s next local appearance is eagerly anticipated. Perhaps Melbourne could be blessed with a fully staged opera next time.
Bravo Bellini: in concert with Jessica Pratt played at Palais Theatre, Melbourne 7.30pm Saturday 2 September 2023.
The Bravo Bellini program can be read online.