Patric Schmid, Artistic Director Opera Rara
1972- 2005

'Opera Rara was created from my enthusiasm for Gaetano Donizetti, and I love him for that to this day.'
Sicilienne
Emilia di Liverpool
The Cast

EMILIA - Yvonne Kenny CANDIDA - Anne Mason LUIGIA/BETTINA -
Bronwen Mills
DON ROMUALDO/COUNT ASDRUBALE -
Sesto Bruscantini
CLAUDIO DI LIVERPOOL - Geoffrey Dolton FEDERICO/COLONEL VILLARS - Chris Merritt COUNT/CIACOMO - Christopher Thornton-Holmes

Geoffrey Mitchell Choir Philharmonia Orchestra CONDUCTOR - David Parry

Gramophone

'..a thoroughly delightful addition to the operatic library. The two versions have a certain amount in common but there is enough that is new in the 1828 score to justify the presence of both; and of course they provide a fascinating opportunity to observe a composer at work. The performance is delightful too. This is music that assumes a high degree of accomplishment in its singers, and listening to the practised skill of Yvonne Kenny and Geoffrey Dolton in their fiorture, the range of Chris Merrit's tenor, the flair of the veteran Bruscantini,
one might well wonder whether it would be reasonable to ask for anything more.'
5 January 2009