An appreciative audience saw the Compangnia d'Opera Italiano di Milano perform Verdi's tale of passion, honour and revenge, Un Ballo in Maschera, on Thursday.

The opera, based on the real life assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden, contains some of Verdi's finest melodies and was performed with great verve and style by soloists and chorus alike.

Outstanding among the soloists was Manami Hama, whose performance as Amelia beautifully demonstrated the synthesis of vocal technique and dramatic expression required by a great opera singer. Every phrase and gesture communicated the emotional plight of her tortured character torn between a secret love and feelings of guilt and duty to her husband.

Orfeo Zanetti sang the part of Riccardo admirably. Although perhaps lacking the extrovert charm suggested by Verdi's music in the early scenes, he performed the eventual demise of the count with conviction.

Victor Mityushkin had a voice of exceptional quality displayed to great effect in the Act 3 aria Eri tu, although he didn't quite capture the emotional intensity necessary in portraying the unfortunate Renato.

Of the other soloists, Cristina Simionesci sparkled as Oscar the page boy and Ogla Federova impressed as eccentric soothsayer Ulrica.

The traditional costumes and sets were very effective, particularly during Act 2 which saw Verdi's ravishing love duet sung ominously in the shadow of the gallows. The orchestra provided superb accompaniment and the cast fully deserved the enthusiastic applause at the end of the performance.

Ian Gifford