Marc Reck

While it was sometimes difficult to pick up on what was being said (which was all in english btw), it was pretty amazing to hear some of the scales the leads vocalists could reach. Performances from birmingham locals were equally impressive and it was really nice to see a few friends on staqe dropping great moments. (I must admit i was at times, more looking out for them, than paying attention to the script!)

Highlights for me were hearing Talise Trevigne (who played the lead Violetta Valery) with the cbso, at the end of scene 1, really hitting the spot with a vocal that went off the scale, in a kind of call and response with the cbso. The male lead character at the end of scene 2, (Alfredo Germont) played by Mark Wilde. And then right at the end, Mr John Mostyn delivering the bouquet to Talise, just at the right moment, to end a heartwrenching climax of the final act. (My efforts to capture it were unfortunatly not at the right moment, due to fumbling for the camera, and capturing it a few seconds too late!)

All in all a great experience and we have a new found interest in the opera, which i believe is one of the missions for the company.

Afterwards it was everyone to the Spotted Dog, where we had a party til the early hours of the morning. 250 people were superbly looked after by landlord John, and its fair to say the room was totally rammed and rockin right up until the end from a djing point of view. A great gig personally, and a most diverse, responsive and well up for it crowd of lovely people. Playing all through the record collection before a big finale, and then a few close numbers, it was very satisfying and much fun. When all had gone home to bed, me and pyn stayed up drinking with John until Dawn, having one of the most inspiring conversations about Birmingham and Project X.

A most wonderful evenings entertainment!

More pics of the night are here, and if you haven’t already please sign the Spotted Dog’s petition. Its very important!