REVIEW - Cosi Fan Tutte, Opera A La Carte, Marlborough College.

THE pouring rain did not succeed in dampening the enthusiasm of the audience for an excellent performance of Cosi Fan Tutte at Marlborough College on Saturday.

Operaluna, the Wiltshire-based charity, presented the stunning British premiere of Opera A La Carte's production of Mozart's famous opera.

This was a full-on staging of Mozart's wicked send-up of sexual stereotyping.

It is the classic tale of two sisters, (sung superbly by Katie Van Kooten and Gudrun Olafsdottir) whose partners test their faithfulness. Tempted by the confirmed bachelor, Don Alfonso (John Milne), the suitors, Ferrando (James Edwards) and Guigliemo (Jochem van Ast), accept a wager that their sweethearts will fall in love with anyone who happens to come along.

The men later appear disguised with large moustaches to test this theory on each other's inamorata. Despina (Diana Atherton) and the Servant (Ishwar Mahraj completed the cast.

The quality of the production by Nicholas Heath, the singing and the acting was exceptionally high, as was the music produced by piano and a wind quartet directed by Susie Allan from the piano.

Cosi Fan Tutte is one of the finest examples of opera buffa and is believed to be one of Mozart's finest works.

Nicholas Heath, the director of Opera A La Carte, and a member of the Royal Opera, founded the company ten years ago. Its repertoire ranges from cabaret to opera and it specialises in intimate performances of large-scale operas.

The annual Operaluna opera presentation has become a popular highlight of the summer season in Marlborough.

Anyone interested in obtaining further information on Operaluna should contact Madeline Wilks, at Box Cottage, North Newnton, Pewsey, or telephone her on (01980) 630414.

Carolyn Newbigging