The Marriage of Figaro

by Lou Camp

What a treasure we Philadelphians have in the Academy of Vocal Arts. Housed in a classic townhouse on Spruce Street in Center City, this intimate opera company has been developing outstanding singers since its founding in 1934.

Currently AVA is presenting an inspired, well-nigh perfect production of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, that blissful example of Amadeus' art. After all the loud, coarse music and popular hash, there remains the presence of this truly divine genius -- gentle, a little sad, but full of life for us all. Mahler's last words were "Mozart, Mozart."

Figaro has lots of roles and all performers were outstanding on opening night -- including the Countess, soprano Latonia Moore (who sings on the new Mahler Second Symphony CD under Gilbert Kaplan for Deutsche Grammophon). The Count Almaviva, befuddled between pomposity and lust, was funny and human in the fine baritone voice of Markus Beam. Our Figaro, bass Matthew Arnold, set the stage for the whole opera in his opening Se vuol ballare -- cunning against force, said Mozart biographer Alfred Einstein. Arnold, a former paratrooper, was rock steady throughout. Ailyn Perez as Susanna attracted all eyes and ears, not just the Count's and future husband Figaro's. And Cherubino, a girl in boy's clothes, no, wait -- the other way around. Lovesick, a cross-dresser, Don Giovanni as a boy, Kierkegaard calls him -- so much for Mozart the delicate, tinkling note-spinner. First-year AVA student mezzo Kristen Leich won all the boys' and girls' hearts. And these are just the principals.

The simple little set and production seemed no problem for the many cast members to maneuver. Choreography and costumes were most apt -- funny and true to the style. All hail to stage director David Gately. But of course, the music is the thing; the superb Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia played with on-a-dime accuracy, verve and elasticity. Credit for most of that must go to music director Christofer Macatsoris, whom we could clearly see conducting with affection and complete knowledge. Don't miss this.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

Nov. 14 and 15, Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St. Nov. 20 and 22, Centennial Hall, The Haverford School, 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, 215-735-1685