Opera

'Paul Austin Kelly and Bruce Ford both bring fine techniques to their tasks.... Top notes hold no fear for either.'
Sicilienne
Zoraida di Granata
The Cast

LUIGI V - Della Jones
ALMUZIR - Bruce Ford
ZORAIDA - Majella Cullagh
ABENAMET -
Paul Austin Kelly
ALI - Matthew Hargreaves
INES - Cristina Pastorello
ALMANZOR - Dominic Natoli ABENAMET -
Diana Montague

Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
CONDUCTOR - David Parry
Opera Rara presents the world premiere of the original tenor version, rewritten hastily for a mezzo when the tenor due to sing the part died. In addition the recording includes six more pieces written for the 1824 revival.

Opera

Majella Cullagh's 'voice gleams, is flexible and has a wide range, with upper notes flashing and a warm, firm middle register. She... can encompass Donizetti's divisions with ease, yet how exquisitely she traces the vocal line in Zoraida's final aria.'

3 December 2008