"A sensational line-up of singers"

I CAPULETI E I MONTECCHI by BELLINI

"The score was delivered by a sensational line-up of singers, guided by conductor and Bellini expert Fabio Biondi. He had the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra purring sumptuously, the musical textures rich with woodwind and brass detail, rippling harp and, never far off, the ominous beat of the militaristic drum." "Soprano Kristina Mkhitaryan totally nailed Giulietta in this phenomenal and touching performance, her voice always crystal-clear whether on the softest of high notes or in the warmer lower registers."

"With her velvety mezzo, Nino Surguladze was equally dazzling as Romeo. The blend of voices was superb, with both women beautifully articulating the fragility and fierceness of teenagers in love." "The production was simply framed by Ashley Martin-Davis' stunning black-and-white set, enhanced by Linus Fellbom's atmospheric lighting." "The lusty voices of the male chorus of fencers were a constant in this production, a role in which they excelled, with the help of chorus master Håkon Matti Skrede and choreographer Benito Marcelino." "Director Nicola Raab wisely allowed Bellini's ravishing music space to breathe, placing it centre-stage in this production."

I Capuleti e i Montecchi - Act I Duet