One of the most delightful regular fixtures in my calendar is Aria Alba's annual residential training week in the idyllic, rural paradise of Ardentinny on Loch Long. With the exception of 2020 (for obvious reasons!) the company have used the Ardentinny Centre as a base each summer for almost a decade, during which time we have developed deep affinity with the misty hilltops and icy cool waters down at the beach. There's always a warm welcome waiting for us at the door from our dear friend Peter Wilson, and Jason's broad smile from the kitchen hatch soon puts us right at home. Not even mentioning the delicious steak pie and vegetarian quiches he lovingly prepared to keep us fuelled for the week!
This year's opera is Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, which certainly made for a much lighter week than last year's harrowing exploration of Maria Stuarda! We were thrilled to hear from Peter that it's our "best one yet", and our small but highly engaged audience at the Saturday open rehearsal were also highly supportive.
Some of the highlights of the week for me were the all-round excellent singing, the comic overacting in all departments, and the genuine dedication of all cast members to understanding and challenging and complex themes of Cosi.
Aria Alba will perform two preview performances of the show at Melrose Corn Exchange at 2.30pm on 5th and 6th August.
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