Product Review

One of the composers most beguiling scores, La Favorite is Gaetano Donizettis La favorita in its original French form; a tale of love and war that represents a glorious mix of Italian bel canto and 19th c. grand opéra. Vincent Boussards arresting Toulouse production does full justice to this newly renewed masterpiece. Three international principals take on the works demanding roles: Chinese tenor Yijie Shi is a revelation (La Dépêche) as Fernand, the rich-toned, authoritative French baritone Ludovic Tézier as King Alphonse XI and lauded American mezzo Kate Aldrich the Carmen of this generation (San Francisco Sentinel) plumbing the emotional depths of Léonors music. Conductor and bel canto specialist Antonello Allemandi adds to the passionate proceedings onstage. Maestro Allemandi demonstrated full authority over the stage for the musically complex scenes, and in the arias and duets demonstrated his confidence in the singers by establishing ample tempos to support their soaring vocal lines (Opera Today)