Countertenor Bejun Mehta enters the increasingly crowded field of Handel recitals and triumphs with this engaging and exquisitely sung selection of arias and duets, many of them composed for the great castrato Senesino. Dark yet delicate in timbre, Mehta’s voice defies the common criticisms (or myths) surrounding the countertenor voice, displaying not only spectacular agility but a wealth of colour, superb dynamic control, and a steely strength which underpins the sheer loveliness of sound. But it is Mehta’s vocal acting which lifts this recital to another level. Be it in the exultant coloratura of Sento la gioia, the long, hushed lines of Stille amare or the militant staccati of Fammi combatere, Mehta teams technical brilliance with sensitive expressivity, capturing even the most broadly drawn Baroque emotions with touching sincerity. Collections of Handel arias are hardly thin on the ground these days – barely a month seems to pass without a few new additions to the discography – but Mehta’s rare combination of virtuosity and expressive acuity makes this… Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Opera Queensland has announced Julian Gavin is unable to perform due to prolonged illness. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Director Christopher Alden has had a field day, drawing from the visual language of Salvador Dalí, Man Ray and other surrealists of the 1930s.

Cecilia Bartoli has become one of today’s most popular and recognisable classical stars.

Italian conductor Riccardo Muti scoops classical music’s largest cash prize. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Pub opera instead of pub rock: Olivier Award for young Australian’s new La Bohème, performed in a tavern. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Albert Lance Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Could Southern China's new cultural beacon eclipse the Sydney Opera House?

Music director Christian Curnyn wants to show Australia a lighter side of Handel in bold, tragi-comic romp Partenope.

Another rarity rescued by Australia's Baroque opera crusaders.

Italian mezzo soprano Cecilia Bartoli has conquered the world’s great opera houses, turned Salieri into a bestseller and become a saviour of the classical recording industry… But she has never, until now, performed in Australia. Francis Merson spoke to Cecilia on the eve of her maiden tour. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

A new opera based on the life of actress and model Anna Nicole Smith has premiered in London, to surprisingly positive first reviews.