Set and costume designer Stuart Nunn has done a splendid job in making the updating a consistent and viable concept.

Happily, the production illuminates the music under the superb conducting of Roberto Abbado. He is remarkably sensitive to every nuance in Rossini’s rich score, and even musical moments likely meant to show off coloratura effects are infused with meaning and power.

The entire cast sings with equal measures of tonal beauty and dramatic commitment. Alex Esposito gives us a multi-faceted Faraone… he sings with power and variety, and his physical characterization is “every inch a king.”

The tenor Dmitry Korchak sings…Osiride with fearless abandon, the voice flexible and passionate…Soprano Olga Senderskaya as the King’s consort Amaltea gives a dramatic, committed performance and her bell-like soprano mixes beautifully in the many quartets and ensembles. There is a lovely ease to her singing, even in heavily dramatic moments. Tenor Yijie Shi as Arrone has a gorgeous, clear sound but seems a bit uncomfortable in his acting.

Riccardo Zanellato is an impassioned and powerful Moses…

Kudos to the fine Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Communale di Bologna and Chorus Master Lorenzo Fratini for the splendid playing and singing as well as clear diction and commitment to the production choices. © 2013 Parterre Box Read complete review