Riverside Opera gave a whole hearted performance of Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky at Richmond Theatre.

This dark and brooding production was not quite my cup of tea, but it was well received by most of the audience and the orchestra made a big impact.

New Zealand born James Harrison took the lead as Onegin and the experience he has gained by singing at the Royal Albert Hall shone through.

Ilona Domnich and Miranda Westcott played sisters Tatyana and Olga. Tatyana is only 16 when she falls for Oregin, a spoilt, rich, distainful man who tells her he is not interested. He only has eyes for her sister Olga, who is betrothed.

I felt Ilona's performance was stronger than that of Miranda, who failed to show sufficient passion when her lover was going to risk his life by fighting a dual with Onegin. There was a good supporting performance by Bradley Daley as the the lover .

This was a very long production with two intervals. The ballroom scene in act two and the wonderful costumes in act three were the highlights, and I also enjoyed the wonderful Polonaise, a stiff formal dance in Prince Gremin's house.

A wonderful young orchestra was enthusiastically conducted by Timothy Burke, a young man who I imagine has set many a young girl's heart a flutter. Timothy was born in Kingston and was a choral scholar at HM Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.

This summer Riverside Opera will be presenting an opera concert at the Menhuin Hall, Stoke D'Abernon on Saturday July 14. They will be joined by soloists Diana Vivian, Claire Surman, Njabulo Madlalla and Dominic Natoli.

Riverside Opera, formed in 1995, is a community based grand opera company, providing opportunities for singers and instrumentalists, both professional and amateur. Since 1999 they have peformed one major opera each year at Richmond Theatre.