A few boos amid loud cheers at Garsington's La Donna del Lago was proof, were any needed, that some of our most stimulating opera now happens on the summer festival circuit.
Lively may not always mean best. David Alden's whimsical, geek-chic production of Rossini's melodrama failed to throw light on a remote early Romantic aesthetic. Perversely, taking it more seriously would have lightened the mood.
But the musical performance was outstanding, with an impressive quartet of singers in the taxing main roles and some crisp, fluent playing by the Garsington Opera Orchestra, conducted by David Parry. Solo woodwind, especially, deserve praise.
Based on Walter Scott's poem Lady of the Lake, La Donna offers an Italian take on Highland mists, huntsman and harp-playing bards. King James V of Scotland, in disguise and in love with the Lady, is a daunting bel canto role, intrepidly sung by Colin Lee.
A persuasive Carmen Giannattasio in the title role, Alexandra Sherman as a kilt-wearing, punkish Malcolm and Michael Colvin as the unlovely chieftain Rodrigo all but overcame the vocal obstacles Rossini puts in their way. The chorus, too, was impressive despite being made to dress up, depending on gender, as spooky schoolgirls or Country Life-reading deer complete with antlers.
At least the music is given full rein. Bursting with showpiece arias, this rarely heard score intrigues and delights from first bar to last.
Garsington: 01865 361636; Glyndebourne: 01273 813813.
Garsington Opera: La Donna Del Lago
Garsington Manor
Garsington, OX9 9DH
