Gianni Schicchi

Giacomo Puccini

Royal Academy of Music, London

2007

Audiences at London conservatoire opera productions, now essential diary dates, tend to divide into friends and family and talent-spotting agents and opera professionals. The Royal Academy of Music's double-bill will have given pleasure to each, with nimble productions by Orpha Phelan and no shortage of youthful promise from all over the world. Read more The Evening Standard, March 2007  **** [Fiona Maddocks]

Nothing wrong with Phelan’s cheerful staging, set in the 1950s — though less “ dolce vita” than dusty realism... Read more  The Times, March 2007 **** [Neil Fischer]

Orpha Phelan’s productions kept things visually simple while getting the narratives over. Above all, she obtained intelligent and well crafted performances from her casts, who knew exactly what they had to do and how to do it. Opera, May 2007 [George Hall]

Puccini’s dark-edged comedy’s zest and black humour come over strongly in Orpha Phelan’s pacey production, effectively and economically designed by Leslie Travers.  Thorbjorn Gulbrandsoy carries off brilliantly an unusually serious portrayal of the lovable rogue, with Claire Watkins a knowing and sweet-toned Lauretta and Xing-Wa Hao a stirring Rinuccio. There’s some keen ensemble playing and singing from the large supporting cast, among whom Kristen Darragh stands out for her finely judged and never overplayed Zita. A very impressive evening all round. Read more The Stage, March 2007