Seen and Heard International, Mark Berry
As Cherubino, Esme Bronwen-Smith captivated th[r]ough force of personality and similar attention to detail. Martins Smaukstelis did likewise as Basilio, an intriguingly chameleon-like portrayal, boasting notable ease in Italian as well as a finely expressive face. The very different, more diffident impression presented by his Don Curzio confirmed the individuality of portrayal.
Seen and Heard international, Mark Berry
To make it so, of course, requires not only sensitive continuo realisation but also sensitive — and dramatic — vocal artistry. Here a number of singers excelled, showing considerable stage gifts too. Martins Smaukstelis was first among equals as Egisto, wounded, external heroism and inward anguish expressed by all manner of subtle gradations.
Planethugill
The Act Two scene with Murphy's Headman, Martins Smaukstelis's Distiller, Claire Barnett-Jones's sister-in-law and Henry Neill's clerk was a complete comic delight. One long sustained sequence where the four singers each created a strong sense of comedy, both aural and visual from Smaukstelis's supercilious man of the world (complete with pipe), through Barnett-Jones's completely over the top femme-fatale act to Neill's precise pomposity.
Bachtrack
Both Martins Smaukstelis as the Distiller and Henry Neill as the Clerk despatched their roles with aplomb.
Martins Smaukstelis is a Latvian born tenor who completed his Master of Arts degree at the Royal Academy of Music with Neil Mackie and Jonathan Papp. He was awarded a full entrance scholarship, which was made possible by the Leverhulme Trust Postgraduate Scholarship.
He had the opportunity to sing in public masterclasses with Dennis O’Neill at the Academy and Roger Vignoles at the Leeds Lieder Festival as well as David Butt Philip and Della Jones.
Martins recently debuted as Prince in Dvorak's Rusalka with New Opera Singapore where he previously appeared as Lucano in L’incoronazione di Poppea as well as Spoletta in Tosca (Devon Opera). He has performed as Adrian in Hopes and Fears with music by Debussy (The Opera Makers), Basilio and Don Curzio in La Nozze di Figaro, Schoolmaster in Cunning Little Vixen as well as the title role in Cavalli’s L’Egisto (HGO). He has also sang the role of Distiller in Rimsky-Korsakovs May Night (RAO), Prince Charming in multiple adaptations of Cinderella (St Paul's Opera and Merry Opera) as well as a fully staged Messiah (Merry Opera) and the role of Heinrich in concert performance of Ethel Smyth’s Der Wald.
Martins also has sung with Glyndebourne Festival, Garsington, Wexford and The Grange Festival operas among others and has a busy concert life appearing in concerts and oratorio performances all around the UK.
Past performances include Mozart’s Requiem at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mozart’s Coronation mass with the Buckingham Choral Society.
Martins is also generously supported by the Josephine Baker Trust, Drake Calleja Trust and Countess of Munster Musical Trust.
Hopes and Fears with The Opera Makers
as Adrian with Nina Bennet and Pauls Putnins
Photo by Marc Gascoigne
Hopes and Fears with The Opera Makers
as Adrian
Photo by Marc Gascoigne
L'incoronazione di Poppea with New Opera Singapore
as Lucano with Jonathan Khoo
L'incoronazione di Poppea with New Opera Singapore
as Lucano with Leslie Tay