TOM JONES, music by Edward German, lyrics by Chas. H. Taylor: a concert performance by Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society: Gloucester Road Hall, Trowbridge. A CONCERT performance of something as testing as this operetta by Edward German seems a sensible choice for Trowbridge’s newly-revived operatic society. Such a presentation concentrates attention on the singing talents of the group – the way of performing that its members like best. The result is a hearty-voiced evening full of assurance, with the highlights of German’s score coming over loud and clear. The group seems to be well endowed with enthusiastic chorus members, and the soloists reflect the high standard obviously sought by the society. Julie Baker and Jim Baggs, as Sophia and Tom, carry off the principal roles tunefully and efficiently, and there is a splendidly lively and confident portrayal of Squire Western from Fred O’Flaherty. Perhaps this last performance is especially conspicuous because there is a good deal of feeling in it. The selection of songs is not presented in the right order for the operetta so it is difficult to grasp the mood sometimes, and the formal, somewhat emotionless singing does not always help in this respect. And this rearrangement of the order seems to favour the second half rather, with the more lilting melodies following each other in quick succession, notably the madrigal from the chorus, and a most impressive quartet. Musical director Ronald Foxwell has coaxed some good singing from the society and accompanist Megan Thirlaway does a noble job, but the members are going to need to do more before tackling anything more ambitious than a concert version. The performance is repeated tonight. JUDITH BOYD |