Music Reviews : ‘Samson et Dalila’ at Opera Pacific

If the acoustic of Segerstrom Hall apparently works to magnify the size of an opera singer’s voice, modest indeed must be the voices of Jennifer Jones and John Absalom, who joined the Opera Pacific cast in the title roles of Saint-Saens’ “Samson et Dalila” on Saturday.

Both were singing the roles for the first time. Jones has sung with the Long Beach and Welsh national operas. Absalom is a tenor at New York City Opera. Neither can be said to have a major career yet.

Giving lesser-known talent a platform is a nice thing to do, but some people might regard a top ticket price of $75 a bit high to hear such uncharismatic voices. The same price brought a cast with two ex-Bolshoi Opera singers (previously reviewed) in the roles.

Jones made a statuesque Dalila, projecting warmth and demure allure, but she was cautious, at times awkward, in movement. Perhaps she was hampered by Beni Montresor’s fabric-layered costumes.

She sang with creamy, even vocalism, which she scarcely modulated in emphasis or meaning.

Absalom acted with conviction and energy, but was more persuasive in delineating the tortured, pathetic aspects of the character rather than his heroic dimensions.

Vocally, he suffered from spreading tone and wobbliness under pressure. Alas, he strangulated on his final note.

The best moments came during their fierce and anguished exchanges in Act II, and these were more dramatic than vocal achievements. Elsewhere, both voices often were overpowered by other singers or the orchestra.