The story of David and Goliath is practically mythical; it’s been told time and again in various media. Yet the story of the rest of David’s life is not as well known and is brought to life beautifully in M.A. Charpentier’s David and Jonathan. Opera Atelier is bringing their world-renowned 2022 Versailles production to Koerner Hall, which has been transformed for this homecoming, to dazzle Toronto audiences. Directed and choreographed by Opera Atelier’s co-artistic directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, David and Jonathan proves why it belongs in the halls of a palace.

Charpentier’s five-part opera details the time after Goliath’s defeat. David should be on top of the world, yet without the good favour of Saul, another king and the father of his greatest friend, Jonathan, David doesn’t feel like anything is right. He longs for peace through unity with Saul’s kingdom, but outside forces won’t allow it. A large battle ensues as Saul is cajoled into inciting David to war, and the casualty count hits far to close to home for both rulers.

Opera Atelier has been talking about bringing this production back to Toronto for quite some time, along with a renovation of Koerner Hall for the occasion. The transformation of the main stage space is impressive, and Gerard Gauci has certainly outdone himself with the set design for this production. There are now two staircases which can be used by the performers, the uppermost even featuring a trap door. Four large wooden pillars loom over the stage with massive vases atop them, firmly placing us in our ancient setting. Lush red and gold tapestries adorn the openings – this is true opulence. Michael Gianfrancesco’s costumes are likewise dazzling; the new costumes for the ensemble soloists and ballet members in particular are luxuriously detailed.

Opera Atelier leading man Colin Ainsworth leads the cast as the titular David. He’s joined by Mireille Asselin as Jonathan, the two of them make a dynamic pair on stage. They both have solos where their voice rings through Koerner Hall; it seems impossible to believe that one voice can create all of that immense sound. Antonio Rodepierre and David Witczak are both from Versailles and were a part of the 2022 production there – it’s a joy to have them here in Toronto performing as Joabel and Saul. Stephen Hegedus, Mireille Lebel, and Christopher Dunham round out the wildly talented cast of named characters as the Ghost of Samuel, the Pythonisse, and Achis. Each voice is so unique, yet they’re able to come together to create a full symphony of song and emotion.

For David and Jonathan, there’s a host of ensemble soloists who pour their heart out into their roles as David and Saul’s courts. They’re joined by the talented dancers from the Atelier Ballet, some of whom get to work in stage combat along with their impressive feats of athleticism in dance. Tafelmusik has yet again demonstrated the calibre of their artistry with their performance of this moving music, along with the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir.

David and Jonathan gives these Biblical characters a whole new life on the stage. When they’re done here in Toronto, Opera Atelier will once again bring this stunning performance back to the halls of Versailles. The amount of expertise on display, and to be able to basque in their talent, is a true delight.

Unfortunately, this production has already closed. However, you can keep up with Opera Atelier and their 40th Anniversary Season at: https://www.operaatelier.com/

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Cover Photo: Artists of Atelier Ballet in Opera Atelier’s production of Charpentier’s David and Jonathan. Photo by Bruce Zinger.

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