Was really surprised at how good an opera 'Julie' was. The work is very intimate, wrenching in its tragic elements and intriguing in the more psychological ones. Phillip Boesman's rich, colourful, delicate and full-blooded music is remarkably accessible too.
This is simply a masterful production of it, one of the best opera productions this reviewer has seen in a long time and this is coming from a lifelong fan who watches opera on a daily basis for enjoyment and gaining more knowledge of how it's staged, singers' voices and the operas themselves.
While spare, like 'Julie' itself, it also looks very attractive. One of Luc Bondy's most visually attractive and tasteful productions for sure. The staging also shows that Bondy does have a passion for opera that he likes (which that sense is given with his 'Don Carlos' but one also got the sense that he was trying to actively ruin 'Tosca' with the 2009 Met production), can give dramatic thrust to the drama and maintain the opera's spirit. The intimacy is never static, the tragic parts wrench the heart and gut and the psychological tension and such is both intriguing and tense.
Musically, the production is outstanding, with precise and very expressive orchestral playing that matches the richness, colour, delicacy and full-blood of the score perfectly and sensitive and alert conducting that is alive to nuanced lyricism and fiery intensity.
Gary Magee is a powerful presence as Jean and sings sonorously, while Kerstin Avemo sings with a limpid tone and acts with fresh appeal and charm. The production however belongs to the tour-De-force performance of Malena Ernman, who shows total inhabiting and living of the title role and a rich and full of depth voice.
In conclusion, masterful, both as an opera and as a production. If you're a fan of opera and want a change from the operatic staples/classics, 'Julie' is a must-see with something for everybody, something that not many contemporary operas succeeds in. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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