September 14, 2012, by Jonathan

Operatic ambitions

The last few weeks have been extremely busy. I think I expected second year to be slightly calmer than my first; clearly that is not the case.

Since returning back to University, as President of OpSoc, I have been organising and managing events for the society. It’s a fantastic experience but at times such hard work. The highlight has to have been being successful in applying to co-direct Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti in March 2013 and as part of the audition panel, casting the principal singers for the March and May opera. It was so exciting to hear each member of the society singing different repertoire all afternoon!

I decided to try something new for my second year; to get involved with Impact Magazine. After attending the first weekly meeting, I asked to review the University Philharmonia concert on Sunday 28^th October, in addition to review Max Richter’s new album, ‘Recomposed’ (based on Vivaldi’s Four Springs). Both reviews got excellent feedback and since I have reviewed the New Theatre production of Mercury Fur. What a crazy, horrific play (not all in a bad way!). The production was fantastic and the actors were sublime in making this production feel realistic.

So now I suppose I should concentrate on my coursework for my degree. I seem to get so caught up in all the extra-curricular activities, I get distracted. I have to say though; I never believed I would find Alban Berg and his esoteric compositions so interesting!

Jonathan Newsome

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