The Cumbria Opera Group brought the vibrant energy of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” to life in a stunning performance at the Penrith Methodist Church on June 10, 2025. This regional opera company, renowned for its commitment to making opera accessible, showcased the production to an enthusiastic audience, reinforcing its mission to deliver world-class opera to the scenic county of Cumbria.
Founded in 2016, the Cumbria Opera Group aims to provide cultural enrichment in a rural setting. Their statement emphasizes the importance of opera in contemporary arts, asserting that it should thrive in every location, irrespective of isolation. The group recognizes Cumbria’s deep-rooted artistic heritage, which has inspired many notable works in British poetry, art, and music.
Artistic Director Joe Davies, who has an extensive background with various orchestras and opera productions, helmed the performance. Under his guidance, the group has staged several acclaimed operas, including “Don Giovanni” and “Cosi fan tutte”. With “The Marriage of Figaro,” audiences were treated to a comedic whirlwind filled with mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and clever deceptions, all unfolding on Figaro and Susanna’s wedding day.
Production Highlights and Performers
The cast featured talented performers, starting with Ross Cumming in the titular role of Figaro. Cumming’s portrayal was marked by a rich voice and a charming comedic presence, which captivated the audience. Soprano Sofia Kirwan-Baez shone as Susanna, gradually revealing her vocal range and emotional depth, particularly in the duet “Canzonetta sull’aria” and her poignant aria “Deh vieni, non tardar.”
The role of Count Almaviva was played by George Robarts, whose performance combined frivolity with a touch of pomposity. Despite the character’s complexity, Robarts infused him with nuance, making the Count’s antics both entertaining and relatable. Caroline Taylor, portraying Countess Rosina, delivered standout moments with her beautifully executed arias, “Porgi, amor, qualche ristoro” and “Dove sono i bei momenti.”
Special mention must be made of Gabriella Noble, who played Cherubino with a delightful mix of energy and humor. Her performance added a lively dynamic to the production, while Holly Brown and Chris Murphy provided strong support as Marcellina and Bartolo.
Creative Team and Future Performances
The production’s aesthetic was a collaborative effort, with set designer Emma Turner creating a rustic yet effective stage design, enhanced by PJ Summers‘ lighting. Costume designer Meg Bowyer effectively blended historical accuracy with modern touches, exemplified by Susanna’s unique footwear.
Under the direction of Persia Babayan-Taylor, the opera’s complex narrative was skillfully navigated, making clever use of the church’s architecture to enhance performances. Conductor Melvin Tay led a proficient nine-piece orchestra, creating a harmonious balance between the score and the singers, though some felt the singers could have benefited from more direction.
The Cumbria Opera Group continues to garner acclaim since its inception, and the 2025 festival promises more exciting performances, including Benjamin Britten‘s “The Turn of the Screw” and “Porgy and Bess Reimagined.” The festival will also feature a masterclass with noted soprano Joan Rodgers and several educational workshops in local schools.
With their dedication to bringing opera to rural audiences, the Cumbria Opera Group plays a vital role in ensuring that this beloved art form remains vibrant and accessible. Their efforts not only enrich the cultural landscape of Cumbria but also inspire future generations to appreciate the beauty of opera.