Léirmheasanna Táirgeadh san am atá caite
4Nicola Said demonstrated a creamy tone complemented by a strong low register, and she commanded attention…During their expression of devotion…the singers conveyed a candour which aroused our own empathy.
The maid Lucia’s high, bright vocal line is always a surprise, and Nicola Said floated it with purity and a hint of mischief, which contrasted well with the warmth and authority of Elizabeth Lynch’s Bianca.
Stealing the show was the Ariadne of Nicola Said (currently a student of Yvonne Kenny). The pathos of her final aria was little short of magnificent, and she entered into the spirit of Callas perfectly. Bright-toned and expressive, and blessed with excellent stage presence, she captured our hearts.
Theseus was sung by baritone Josep-Ramon Olivé, who ‘in recording’ gave a noble account of the role, generally restrained in demeanour except in occasional moments of extreme passion. His voice has a roundness and muscularity that makes it a powerful instrument – he rose easily above the orchestra, but I was impressed by the sensitive text-based approach that he adopted in his singing." "Olivé was on stage again as Alexandre with the same sturdy qualities as before, but indulging in hammy acting worthy of Rossini’s operas,
