Cyrano de Bergerac

The opera by Franco Alfano is one of those operas that I wasn't directly familiar with until very recently. And as an opera, when I finally did hear it, I really was quite taken with it.

The story is still charming, compelling and poignant, likewise with the characters, and while the music didn't entirely blow me away as a whole there are several sublime moments, particularly the final scene and Act 2 Scene 2.

This is an excellent production. The period setting is beautifully realised, with monumental sets and lavish costumes. The video directing is excellent too, the action is well staged and the orchestra and conductor bring out of the emotional crux of the score seamlessly.

The performances I can't fault either. The chorus are well balanced and pitched, and Arturo Chacon-Cruz is dashing as Christian. Sandra Radvanovsky is a spirited and mature Roxanne, and the wonderful Placido Domingo(with the inevitable prosthetic nose which doesn't affect his singing at all) is superb in the title role.

Overall, a most excellent production. 9/10 Bethany Cox