Les Azuriales Opera Festival

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

This year it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The event was founded in 1997 and the idea was introduced by the British born Sarah Holford who is now the president. With the help of Dominique Lelandais, Marie-Laure Vigoureux and Jacqueline Jones, who are also founders of the company, Sarah founded Diva Opera, which was then incorporated into the festival. Having holidayed in Cap Ferrat many times Sarah Holford knew that the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was the perfect setting to stage such an event. The French Riviera Palazzo in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was constructed from 1905-1912 by the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild. It is considered to be one of the finest properties from this époque on the Riviera.

Through her many connections, the baroness sought artworks from around the world to furnish the elaborate villa. Today it still stands with these antiques including a collection of rare porcelain china and is open to visits by the public. The property is also well-known for its nine picturesque gardens overlooking the Mediterranean sea, all adorned with fountains, ponds, colourful flowers and beautiful patios. As press sponsors for the last few years of the event The Riviera Times was invited to attend the event. When we arrived at the gates to the vast grounds of the villa we were first greeted by the friendly volunteers who each year dedicate their holidays to help at the event.

Once inside the lush gardens the true beauty of this extraordinary property could be appreciate. At 8pm the bell was called for the audience to be seated. Whilst waiting for the entertainment to begin we had the chance to take in the intricate architecture surrounding us. The front room of the villa, where the performance took place, is absolutely beautiful and it easily captivated us with its art and history. At the interval guests strolled in the enchanting gardens where dusk added to magical ambiance, while others chatted merrily or appreciated the perfectly tranquil sea views from the villa. When the evening finally drew to an end, a thoroughly entertained audience gave the cast a lingering round of applause.

Among the performers at the Opera Les Azuriales, Richard Suart returned this year to play the overbearing but comical role of Don Pasquale. Norina's character is played by Charlotte Kinder and her lover Ernesto, Don Pasquale's nephew, is brought alive by Nicholas Sales. David Stephenson, who is a regular artist at the festival, plays the role of Dr. Malatesta. The plot is of two lovers who must overcome the dominant behaviour of Don Pasquale who also seeks a wife for himself.

The opera thus unfolds a mixture of mistaken identities and cunning deceptions. The result is a delightfully amusing opera, which saw quite a few laughs throughout both acts, particularly with the witty lines and superb acting of Richard Suart. The setting made the performance that more special as a small audience created an ideal intimacy. Other operas performed during the festival include the famous La Traviata. August 25th there is an evening of poetry and song from the last century with the world premiere of the 'Siren song'. Poems performed that night will include the works of Baudelaire and Verlaine with songs by Duparc, Depussy and Britten.
For more information Tel: 04 93 56 54 41 www.azurialopera.com L.S.