Our events calendar is usually full of events organised by the Assembly Room, who are carving a niche for themed meal night with accompanying music or comedy.
We attended their most recent event – an Opera Night. For £35 each we had a 3 course meal with a variety of operatic “highlights” performed between courses.
The food was chosen from a set menu with 3 alternatives for each course. In line with previous meals we have had there, the food was delicious- my highlight on this occasion was a perfectly cooked and decent sized steak served with a gratin.
I can’t claim to be hugely knowledgeable regarding opera, but that did not prevent me from appreciating the superb performances – enhanced by the location in terms of acoustics and grand setting. Occasionally the performers introduced the pieces with some background information, and rather than simply standing to give static performances they would at times move around the room and add elements of acting out the parts.
A very relaxed, enjoyable evening with good food and powerful, moving performances – one diner was actually moved to tears!
We spoke to Leonie Cormack-Cook, performing Soprano, who lives locally. Leonie told us that herself, Edwin and Gina and are in the process of establishing themselves as a set trio doing more work both locally and nationally. Based on tonight’s performance, they should go far… 🙂
Performers:
Leonie Cormack-Cook (Soprano, website www.leoniethesoprano.co.uk )
Edwin Pitt Mansfield (Baritone) and
Gina Kruger (pianist).
Location: The Assembly Room, website: www.theassemblyroom.co.uk