Birmingham Symphony Hall, 22 June 2013

Opera North have reached Siegfried in their annual semi-staging of the Ring and it seems to go from strength to strength. All the previous benefits of the approach are still in place, with the triple screen seeming more subtle in its usage and the sur-titles succinct and apt.

However the major addition on this occasion was the presence of Mati Turi as Siegfried. The part is almost impossible for most tenors and there are few in the world who can do justice to it both vocally and histrionically. Matu Turi is one of them. He sang so fully and lustily in act one I expected his voice to give out long before the end. It did not do so. He also brings a boyish charm and innocence to his characterisation that we can more easily understand the violent excesses of youth. It is only a pity he is not due to sing in Gotterdammerung next season.

The rest of the cast were certainly at an international level with Jo Pohlheim a black voiced Alberich and Michael Druiett a smooth talking Wanderer. Fflur Wyn charmed as the woodbird, leading Siegfried from above, while the rich earthiness of Ceri Williams impressed as Erda. Only Annalena Persson’s over-ripe vibrato in the final scene as Brunnhilde caused any concern.

The orchestra were as fine as ever, with the brass able to growl and flair in ways unobtainable in an orchestra pit. The opening of act three, always one of the most exciting moments in any Ring was given its full authority and the excitement was sustained until Brunnhilde awoke.

Richard Farnes has managed to mould his players and singers over this very long time span with aplomb and we can only look forward to next year with eagerness. BH