ENO loses its Ramfis
mainTweet from the Coli:
We’re sorry to share that Brindley Sherratt is indisposed & will not be performing #ENOAida dress rehearsal or performances on 28Sept/3&6Oct
— EnglishNationalOpera (@E_N_O) September 25, 2017
The good news: ‘We are delighted that our very own ENO Chorister Robert Winslade Anderson will perform the role of Ramfis for these performances.’
Blimey, that is some step up for a chorister. Good luck to the man!
Most choristers in opera choruses and other professional (and often amateur) choirs are outstanding and very experienced soloists. A fantastic opportunity maybe, but not a step up.
Of course it is a step up. It is a massive step up whichever way you look at it.
There are many excellent singers in choirs, but taking a solo here and there is not in any way comparable to singing one of the major Verdi bass roles, one that attracts stars from Pinza and Siepi to Ghiaurov and Furlanetto.
So, again, I wish Mr Winslade Anderson, who it appears has not previously had a break in a big role, every success.
Not so, Robert stepped up for Brindley as Phillip in our Don Carlos a few years back at Opera North. And very good he was too, a beautiful and velvet voice.