Oliver Poole  & Tamara Radjenovic in conversation with Brian Hick

World Series at Opus Theatre

International Operatic Soprano Tamara Radjenovic made a flying visit to the Opus Theatre last weekend before shooting off to prepare for her next Carnegie Hall concert. It is a mark of how well Opus Theatre has established itself in such a short time that it has encouraged so many international singers and musicians to perform at this intimate venue in the heart of Hastings. Pianist Oliver Poole is coming to the end of his time as Artist in Residence, though he will continue to maintain strong links with the venue, if only because of its magnificent piano which he has demonstrated with such skill and innate musicality as accompanist, soloist and with superb improvisations.

I met up with them just before last Saturday’s concert, in time to hear Tamara singing Puccini’s Quando m’en vo. Though the composer is eternally popular, he is actually very difficult to perform as the arias in particular allow for rubato in almost every bar. This is a challenge for both of them. A hack accompanist would simply churn out the notes – deadly if at least supportive – but a singer hopes for much more and Oliver’s improvisatory approach leads to an extra level of frisson where singer and pianist have to listen more carefully to each other, and trust each other. It is very exciting to see them working together.

Tamara really welcomed the chance to work with Oliver at the Opus, relishing the intimacy of the venue as well as its superb acoustic. ‘You can really feel the music here, sense the way the audience are responding to every note as it happens’. Oliver feels that she has a particular affinity with each character she brings to life, inhabiting the personality like a method actor would on the stage, rather than simply singing the part. It makes for a much more challenging performance, and one which communicates with its immediacy.

They are both passionate about bringing classical music to new and often younger audiences. It has been of feature of Oliver’s time as Artist in Residence to draw on as wide a range of performers and music as possible, and keep prices as low as possible. The problem is world-wide. Tamara is from Montenegro, and while audiences there are very supportive, warm and appreciative, all events have to be really well promoted to ensure that those interested actually know they are happening.

Their concert at the Opus Theatre on Saturday evening was strongly attended and they were glad to see the Mayor, who is an enthusiastic supporter of live music-making, among the large audience.  The event brought the current World Series at the Opus to a close but there are exciting plans for the new season – and a new Artist in Residence to be announced very soon. Watch this space!