This new opera company performed for the first time on Saturday night. Opera Alberelli has been established to offer training and high quality performance opportunities to young singers aged 18-25.

The aim is to perform works in which they can share the stage with established professionals and learn from the act of working alongside more experienced colleagues.

Judging from the performances, Opera Alberelli (meaning Saplings) has succeeded admirably. We were treated to a splendid performance of Mozart’s charming one act opera Bastien and Bastienne, about two jealous young lovers. The genius of Mozart shone through, even though he was only 12 when he composed it. The wit of the music was very well conveyed by the three young performers with excellent diction and characterisation.

After the interval came Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. This is a mature work best known for its most famous aria O my beloved father. It is a sparkling, witty ensemble piece where the theme is how a family can alter the will of a dead relative to their advantage – Gianni Schicchi is a rogue who pretends that the relative is not dead and impersonates him in order to rewrite the will.

There was a cast of 14 singers in this work including some experienced professionals.

Atmosphere was well conveyed and the singing and acting was of an excellent quality throughout. The intimate atmosphere of The Cause proved to be an ideal location and the appreciative audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening. This was quite a coup for Chippenham. Founder and artistic director Paul Bambrough is to be congratulated for this most enterprising and worthwhile venture. More please.