Lucrezia Borgia

I have adored opera for as long as I can remember. Lucrezia Borgia was a relatively recent discovery, and I was blown away by it as I have been by all Donizetti's work. The opera is little performed, and that's a shame because it is wonderful drama and Donizetti's music is mind-blowing. This production is simply wonderful, I loved the elaborate costume and set design and the staging of especially the final scene is very effective. The orchestral playing and conducting are spot on, and out of the performances my favourite was Daniela Barcellona's sensational Maffio, though Michele Pertusi is the personification of evil and Marcelo Alvarez and Mariella Devia in particular are outstanding. In conclusion, a must watch. 10/10 Bethany Cox