Claire Primrose acclaimed in Taiwan Elektra
May 13, 2011 | Author insider
Amanda Holloway reviewing the first performance of Richard Strauss’ ELEKTRA in Taipei in “OPERA” magazine had the following to say concerning Claire Primrose:
“The Australian soprano Claire Primrose (Elektra) has never sung the role on stage and this was only her third concert performance. Her powerful, dark-edged dramatic soprano was perfectly suited to Strauss’ demands. During her 90 minutes on stage, the tone didn’t waver for an instant. Quite the contrary – the voice grew in beauty and bloom through the evening. And Primrose can act too – she managed to create a driven, desperate character with just a black dress qnd a wild black curly wig. Casting directors should be queuing to sign her up.”
Hmmm. Perhaps Australian casting directors should take note as well.
The Taiwan Festival of Arts Elektra by the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lü Shao-chia and international singers gave a very special, unforgettable performance. Claire Primrose was amazing! Her big voice filled the large National Concert Hall. She is a great actress and looked amazing on the stage. The standing ovation lasted a very long time. The many curtain calls and noisy applause is very unusual for Chinese / Taiwanese classical music fans. Fans were very appreciative to experience Elektra for the first time and have a great Australian opera singer perform the role. Australians should visit Taiwan, the NSO is a very good orchestra like SSO and MSO in Australia. Many Taiwanese musicians study and work overseas like our wonderful maestro Lü Shao-chia.
Thanks for the extra information Daniel. Adds a lot more perspective to the audience response and the NSO.