“Some notable Royal Opera debuts make the first night genuinely special. Pride of place must go to South African soprano Pretty Yende, a rising star on the international scene, whose musicianship and technical skills are first-rate, and who makes proud, educated landowner Adina’s eventual realisation that she loves shy, not overly bright, Nemorino deeply affecting. Together with some fascinating detail, the general excellence of her performance keeps her right at the centre of attention.”
George Hall – The Stage
“Lighting up the first is the partnership between the sunny Adina of South African soprano Pretty Yende, all beaming smiles, and Armenian tenor Liparit Avetisyan as her charming Nemorino. With appearances in many of the world’s major opera houses behind her, Yende arrives for her Royal Opera debut well schooled in the bel canto style, singing with easy agility and touching in her top notes delicately. She also decorates her music, modestly and with charm.”
Richard Fairman – Financial Times
“South African soprano Pretty Yende both looks the part of Adina and has excellent voice control to cope effortlessly with Donizetti’s demanding twiddly bits.”
William Harston – Express
“And in Armenian Liparit Avetisyan and South African Pretty Yende we get a pair of lovers whose rocky path to felicity is portrayed with wonderful freshness. Yende’s singing has a silvery brightness and purity …”
Michael Church – Independent
Image: Bill Cooper / ROH
