Audience was not disappointed

Repeated tonight and Saturday

FIRST she introduced Britain to the Moldovans from Eastern Europe, with their fine singing in the Russian tradition, to great acclaim.

Last night the impresario Ellen Kent and her Opera International went further east and brought the Ukrainian National Opera from Odessa to Manchester for their eagerly-awaited debut.

The audience was not disappointed. A sensitive Traviata was presented in traditional costumes and settings with some superb singing, excellent principals and faultless orchestral playing under conductor Yarema Skybinsky.

Oleg Lykhach was a noble Alfredo, his tenor voice warming up nicely for the crucial second act as the doomed courtesan, Violetta, does the noble thing and rejects her youthful lover at the behest of his father.

Germont senior was sung and acted well by baritone Petru Racovita, who made the transition well from stern father to understanding, middle-aged man, finally realising how deep was the love of his son for Violetta.

But star of the show was Larysa Zuenko, feisty in love and noble in death as her illness finally overcame her. Her creamy voice coped superbly with all the high notes Verdi's score could throw at her.

Last night Ellen Kent proved she can continue to put posteriors on seats with productions that appeal to opera fans and "let's try it" audiences alike.

See it and Rossini's comic opera, The Barber of Seville, which is being performed tomorrow and Friday.

John Griffiths