Sergio A. Mims writes:
African-American soprano Lauren Michelle, who won the 2015 BBC Cardiff
Singer of the World competition, has received rave reviews this month
for her performance of Natasha in Sergei's Prokofiev's opera of
Tolstoy's War and Peace at the Welsh National Opera which opened this
week and continues until late November.
The Guardian
War and Peace review – ferocity and passion in Prokofiev's rare opera
Rian Evans
Sun 16 Sep 2018
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Welsh National Opera’s welcome revival of this seldom-seen Tolstoy adaptation is sung with distinction amid chilling present-day echoes
***
Jonathan McGovern’s expressive baritone makes of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky a noble and sympathetic figure, while Lauren Michelle’s
Natasha has impetuosity and charm, realising a touching warmth as a
nurse finding Bolkonsky on his deathbed. Her toy rabbit is an
unnecessary accessory, but Pountney has matched many witty details to
Prokofiev’s sardonic, quirky style. David Stout is impressive in his several roles, as is Simon Bailey’s
General Kutuzov. This is a rare and welcome opportunity to see War and
Peace, any weaknesses outweighed by the concerted strength of WNO’s
massive commitment.
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