Project Prima Volta’s website states their reason for existing is “to give teenagers the opportunity to find their own voice, through song and in life. Hawke’s Bay’s Prima Volta Charitable Trust offers kids a positive path to finding purpose and meaning, using music and performance. Project Prima Volta opens up a whole new world of hope, opportunity and shared experience to young people who only have one thing in common – their ability to sing in tune.”

Tonight’s show is the culmination of a year’s work for these enthusiastic young people. Lisa-Jane Easter directs 30 teenagers from diverse backgrounds, all of whom auditioned to be in Project Prima Volta for a twelve month term. Dido and Aeneas, after a four month rehearsal, gives us a small yet extraordinary glimpse into the current voice talent that represents our Hawkes Bay youth from seven Hawkes Bay High Schools.

“Project Prima Volta empowers young people to believe in themselves, to dream big, to seize opportunities and to thrive into adulthood. In turn, they go on to lead rewarding and fulfilling adult lives; and in doing so, they contribute to stronger, more cohesive and progressive communities here in Hawke’s Bay and beyond.”

Mary Lolohea in the role of Dido starts strong. And although she forgets a few lines of her lyrics a little way through, her stagecraft, along with that of her two protégés, leads us into the next verse with ease. I would put this down to her opening night nerves, because nothing else I observe or hear, is in anyway underdone. Aeneas, tonight performed by Faamanu Fonoti Fulmaono is her vocal and stage equal. He possesses a wonderfully rich tone to his voice.

Sophie Pilbrow, in the role of Belinda, has by far the largest vocal part. A competent soprano, her vocals are strong even though her voice wavers in and out of key at times. An interesting vocal canon sung by the two Witches, performed by Cathy Pearson and Ecclesia Sataraka, gives a couple of attractive though momentary harmonies.

Lj Crichton is outstanding as the Sorcerer. Is he the young man leading the chorus on the right hand side of The Blythe Performing Arts Center as they wrap their way around the top deck and down into the audience? Delicious and chocolatey, this young tenor/baritone has a stunning quality that reminds me of Sole Mio. There are absolutely gorgeous sounds from the chorus: rich and full with splendid harmonies, equally delicate and strong when needed.

I remain perplexed as to the role of the contemporary dancer. I wonder if perhaps, she was a nymph, a demigod. There is no mention of a choreographer in the programme. Champa Maciel’s performance is extraordinary enough to see her enrol, without fault, into a tertiary dance programme should she choose. 

Two parts of this performance stand out for me. Firstly, the boat with Sailors on the open water, creates a brilliant visual and is excellently executed because of its simplicity and commitment. Secondly, Dido’s death scene is flawless and beautiful. The arrangement and tone are perfect: Chorus voices rising and falling, again with equal delicacy and strength as needed.

Conductor Jose Aparicio leads the accomplished talents of Sarah Lee on piano, Steven Pickett on Theorbo and Cameron Stuart on violincello. Their music embraces this performance beautifully.

Go see this, Hawkes Bay people. Project Prima Volta’s Dido and Aeneas is extraordinary. 

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