One of the most significant features of Richard Mills’ decade as Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director is his programming of bel canto works. Another is his wisdom in inviting soprano Jessica Pratt to show off this 19th-century Italian operatic style.

As Mills’ final season with the company draws to a close, he put the icing on those twin cakes with Bravo Bellini, a one-off concert showcasing one of the greatest bel canto composers, Vincenzo Bellini. First and foremost, it was also a showcase for Pratt.

Jessica Pratt. Photo © Alessandro Moggi

When Mills started bringing the Italian-based Australian soprano to Melbourne, she was well regarded in Europe but little known in her homeland. Local opera lovers owe him a debt of gratitude, as we have been able to regularly hear Pratt in the flesh while her star has risen. The bel canto specialist, who now headlines everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to The Met and La Scala, returned to Melbourne at the height of her powers for this concert.

Conducted by Mills, its two and a half hours (including interval) were split between highlights from three...