Australian soprano Siobhán Stagg is fast becoming a fixture on major European stages, her frequent appearances back home winning her a devoted local fan base and further burnishing her reputation as a star.

Stagg’s musicality and dramatic intelligence is paired with an instrument that only seems to get more beautiful and richer each time you hear it. She’s also a magnetic stage presence, and at this stage of her career is beginning to take on the heavy hitters – she made her debut in the role of Leonore in Fidelio for Paris’ Opera Comique in September and won plaudits for her Violetta for Northern Ireland Opera the same month.

For Stagg’s latest recording, the soprano turns her attention to Dutch-born American composer Richard Hageman in what is billed as the first album to be dedicated solely to his songs. Most of the works gathered here are world premiere recordings, and the sense of discovery and relish is palpable. Stagg’s passion is matched by pianist Nico de Villiers, a great advocate for Hageman whose eloquent playing is a joy.