Press / Reviews

“We are struck by the ravishing singing of Australian soprano Amelia Wawrzon, as Afira. 

…  her expressive interpretation became a touchstone for the opera’s emotional arc”

“The  borrowings from Middle Eastern music are as skillfully integrated as the memories of Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky, Borodin and Puccini. A remark that also applies to the vocal writing, very melismatic, divided between declamatory monologues, vehement or introspective, and melodious arias – that of Afira, (Amelia Wawrzon) which concludes the opera, is particularly seductive.”

“A dramatic narrative through a spectacular, state-of-the-art production, filled with sweeping performances. Delicate moments of beauty, tragedy, hope and breathtaking vocals were performed by Australian soprano, Amelia Wawrzon.”

“Luxurious and imaginative, absolutely sublime… What you hear is pleasant music, very influenced by Arabic and Middle Eastern music, especially in the vocal lines. The orchestra's music is close to film music, but it sounds very good.

The music is magnificently sung, notably by Australian soprano Amelia Wawrzon, who deploys a superb melodic line and lyrical beauty alongside Sarah Connolly, whose much more recitative part is focused on declamation."