Financial Times

Review of the concert performance

‘Opera Rara fielded a classy central pair of singers: Laura Claycomb was the soft-edged, supple soprano, who sailed up to Cleofide’s high E flats, and Jennifer Larmore’s sure and defiant mezzo was ideal for rebellious Poro... Bruce Ford made an elegant Alessandro.’
The Cast

ALESSANDRO - Bruce Ford
PORO - Jennifer Larmore
CLEOFIDE - Laura Claycomb
GANDARTE - Mark Wilde
TIMAGENE - Dean Robinson

Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
London Philharmonic Orchestra
CONDUCTOR - David Parry
The Guardian

Review of the concert performance

‘A strong international vocal lineup was headed by Bruce Ford's resonant Alexander the Great; however, the star was Jennifer Larmore, her mezzo sounding firm but pliant in the Indian king Poro's demanding vocal fireworks.

Pacini rarely allows the music to stop... there are highlights, and, perhaps surprisingly for such a showcase of vocal athleticism, they come at more reflective moments, such as Cleofide's grief-stricken aria, sung by soprano Laura Claycomb with solo cello, and the harp-accompanied quintet near the end.’