Presenting a concert version of any opera presents dramatic problems and this was especially true in this case. Much of the drama in Tosca is revealed in the acting and staging of the work. Leading singers standing behind music stands, some of whom never took their eyes off the music, leaves something to be desired. The film of Maria Callas placing the candles around the dead body of Scarpia is an opera in itself.
Having said that, most of the solo singing was quite good. The cast included Ryan de Ryke as Angelotti, Andrew Bawden as the Sacristan, Dominic Armstrong as Mario Cavaradossi, Helen Todd as Tosca, Yohan Yi as Baron Scarpia, Joshua Blue as Spoletta, Thomas Olsen as Sciarrone, Chrystal Mae Chandler as the Shepherd Boy, and Rex Hume as the Jailer.
Helen Todd, as Tosca, is apparently a former coloratura soprano who has taken on dramatic roles. As a result, her lower range was weak and tremulous while her high notes were brilliant. The role of Tosca, as with many Puccini soprano roles, lies in the middle of the voice for much of the time. This requires a voice that can comfortably handle this tessitura. Ms. Todd was in her element by Acts 2 and 3 where she has some high notes to sing. She might be better advised to take on more lyric roles if she has decided that the life of a coloratura is no longer for her.
Dominic Armstrong has a fine tenor voice but often slights the high notes. He even did some falsetto singing in a few places where I have never heard that done before. His very top seemed pushed.
Yohan Yi has a good baritone voice but, again, the top notes are not secure and at times he was covered by the orchestra.
The other men singers all were quite good and the chorus sang very well in their two moments in the work.
Slides were shown on two large screens hung above the stage which attempted to show what the action on stage would be had there been any. Getting stuck in the music kills connection with the audience. Tosca kept her eyes glued to the score even in 'Vissi d'arte'.
All in all it was good to hear this wonderful score again with a good orchestra and some good singers. Mr. Muspratt does not seem to feel the need to cue the singers but they all made their entrances without help from him.
