Pendley Court Theatre, Tring: Count Ory ****

3:36pm Thursday 13th March 2008

Count Ory is not one of the most frequently performed of Rossini's operas, yet it must surely be his most comical, featuring several hilarious scenes and, at the same time, containing much attractive music some of which Rossini regarded as his best.

Aylesbury Opera Group's production, directed by Rosalie Sadler and with David Hayes making a welcome return as Musical Director, gave full reign to the humour of the piece, at no time taking it to excess and always maintaining s careful balance with the music.

To succeed, this opera relies heavily on having in the main roles the highest quality singers to cope with the lengthy and intricate ensemble writing as well as the demanding colloratura. Helen Semple as the Countess Formoutiers, deperate to find a husband; Philip Hayes as the lecherous Count Ory, equally keen to lay his hands on any female that came his way; and Sarah Haigh as Isolier, page to Count Ory and who was in love with the Countess, made a well balanced trio of principals who met the demands of the vocal writing with few problems.

There were also fine contributions from Nick Gee as Raimbaud, associate to Count Ory, Helen Cooke as Ragonde, and Aidan Smith as the Count's Tutor. The supportive roles of Alice and A Cavalier were well sung by Deborah Brown and Russell Grant respectively, both helping to maintain the high overall standard. The opera features both male and female chorus sections and these were competently and enthusiastically acted and sung, both contributing much towards the success of the evening.

The production was well costumed by Gillian Liddell and featured both hobby horses and chain mail, and, at the end, the appearance of the distinguished Eton Horses - created for Parsifal at Eton College. The simple, yet well constructed and painted set representing the entrance to a French chateau, acted as a perfect foil for the action throughout.

Finally, but certainly by no means least, a major strength of the production was the playing of the excellent orchestra whose ability to accompany the singers was at all times in evidence. A most memorable evening.

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