Don Carlo reviews
The Telegraph ★★★★
“The necessarily scaled-down production at Grange Park Opera, skilfully directed by Jo Davies, throws the spotlight onto the solo characters caught in this compelling conflict, and allows the eloquent music to speak directly.”
“Michel de Souza [is an] outstandingly lyrical Rodrigo”.
“Matthew Rose, whose towering figure and cannon-fire voice sweep all before it.”
“The psychological penetration of Verdi’s score is astonishing, and the relationships are well developed here in Davies’s unfussy direction.”
Plays to See ★★★★
“A convincing and compelling production of an opera that deserves to be revived more frequently than is the case.”
“Ruxandra Donose has made the role of Princess Eboli her own. She does not disappoint in this revival.”
“This radical re-thinking represents a high point of achievement by director Jo Davies.”
Bachtrack ★★★★
“When Pritchard opened the last act with her ‘Tu che le vanità’ we were suddenly in an international opera house”.
“Grange Park has chosen the right score, and given it a good production and bold execution.”
“The Orchestra of English National Opera under conductor Gianluca Marcianò provided both dramatic impetus and lyrical sensuousness.”
The Arts Desk ★★★★
“There is a lot of outstanding playing by the English National Opera Orchestra.”
“The reduction in scale inevitably affects the grandeur of Verdi’s orchestral canvas but in no way spoils the detail.”
“Matthew Rose is a superb presence as Philip II.”
