Can one truly escape one’s past? Can true love win out? These are questions posed in Giacomo Puccini’s La Rondine (The Swallow). The three-act lyric opera set in Paris and on the French Riviera concerns the fate of a mistress. She – Magda – and her provider, the wealthy Rambaldo, are hosting a cocktail party at which the poet Prunier declares that romance is back in fashion. Prunier predicts that like a swallow, Magda will fly south to pursue supreme happiness.
Prunier’s girlfriend is Magda’s maid, Lisette. She interrupts proceedings to announce the arrival of a young man named Ruggero, the son of Rambaldo’s childhood friend. New to Paris, Ruggero asks where he might best enjoy an evening out in the City of Love. Lisette suggests famous Latin Quarter restaurant and dance hall Bullier’s. Ruggero takes up the recommendation. Prunier also heads there with Lisette, while Magda turns up in disguise.
When a group of students shows interest in Magda, she seeks refuge at a table where Ruggero, who is sitting alone, doesn’t recognise her. The pair quickly and effortlessly falls passionately in love. They envisage a future together. They subsequently enjoy each other’s company on the Riviera, but Magda worries that she has deceived Ruggero. She is concerned she will embarrass him and his family. So, will she be able to shake off her colourful past or is she kidding herself by living a lie?
La Rondine is a beautiful, romantic opera with a gorgeous score – rich and lyrical. It juxtaposes dreams and reality with a deft touch. Ultimately, it is both idealistic and crushing. Victorian Opera has given us much to appreciate and savour in a splendid production directed by Stuart Maunder and conducted by Tobias Ringborg. Soprano Kiandra Howarth is intoxicating as Magda. The purity and elevation in her vocalisation are superb throughout. The timbre and tone in Won Whi Choi’s delivery enhances his performance as Ruggero.
There is a jauntiness about Douglas Kelly’s role as the Prunier, while Nina Korbe brings attitude to Lisette. Any day I hear Teddy Tahu Rhodes is a great day and he is a commanding presence as Rambaldo. Set and costume designer Richard Roberts provides a visual treat with his elegant costuming and striking scenery, bringing a different feel to each act. Gavan Swift’s lighting design provides tonal shifts as the opera plays out.
Orchestra Victoria is in fine form, helping to make La Rondine a magical night of operatic excellence. Two hours and 20 minutes, La Rondine – sung in Italian, with English surtitles – is at Palais Theatre in St Kilda until 10th August, 2024.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Idomeneo (Victorian Opera and Opera Australia) – opera review
- Candide (Victorian Opera) – operetta review
- La Boheme (Opera Australia) – theatre review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
