Alexander Balus @ St. Johns Smith Square
Music OMH, 11 April 2016
Laurence Cummings led the excellent London Handel Orchestra from the harpsichord, while the soloists were very strong. The highest profile name among them was probably Renata Pokupić who has a number of appearances at the Royal Opera House to her name. If some of the lines seemed to sit just a little lower than would have been ideal for her mezzo-soprano, overall her class showed as she produced a rich and resonant sound. The baritone of Josep-Ramon Olivé, winner of both the first and audience prizes at the 2015 Handel Singing Competition, also felt highly accomplished as he played Ptolemee. Spencer Lang, who had only stepped in to replace Alexander Sprague as Jonathan at the eleventh hour, was possessed of a remarkable tenor instrument that proved light yet full, and was very aesthetically pleasing. With a sweet voice, expressive manner and impeccable enunciation Katherine Watson excelled as Cleopatra, while Sophie Junker’s own rich soprano ensured that she was equally impressive as Aspasia.
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Laurence Cummings - conductor
London Handel Orchestra
London Handel Singers
SOLOISTS
Katherine Watson - soprano
Alexander Sprague - tenor
Josep-Ramon Olive - baritone