We're proud to share some of the reviews for our production of Cilea's tragedy, L'arlesiana
“Cilea’s emotionally affecting melodrama L’arlesiana, a favourite here, has returned with sensitive conducting by Dane Lam and impassioned performances by Samuel Sakker, Yvonne Howard and Fflur Wyn gracing a forceful and lucid production by Oliver Platt…”
Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph ★★★★★
“The most emotionally affecting performance of Oliver Platt’s production is Yvonne Howard as Federico’s mother, Rosa Mamai. With Esser Madre è un Inferno – “It’s hell being a mother”, she gives a masterclass in anguish, appealing to the heavens to save her son from suicide but failing to prevent the tragedy.”
Amanda Holloway, The Stage ★★★★
“Oliver Platt’s new staging for Opera Holland Park is sincere and unaffected — a single, realistic set in which the drama emerges naturally from character and circumstance.”
Richard Bratby, The Spectator ★★★★
“It is hard to imagine this opera being given a more sympathetic or more convincing production.”
Richard Whitehouse, Classical Source ★★★★★
“The revelation of the evening is soprano Fflur Wyn, an OHP regular who always delights with her easy presence and crystal-clear voice, but as Vivetta she unveils a richness that makes us doubly frustrated with the dolt who cannot see from the start how happy he could be with her."
Claudia Pritchard, Culture Whisper ★★★★
“In the hands of Cilea, and indeed director Oliver Platt, [the story of L’arlesiana] feels both moving and believable as it shows how obsession can take hold to such an alarmingly destructive degree.”
Sam Smith, MusicOMH ★★★★
With just four performances left to catch this production (25, 27, 31 July and 2 August) make sure you don't miss out.
