Opera Alba : Events





"An excellent mix with much to remember..."

For all those looking for a relaxed an light-hearted musical start to the Dundee holiday fortnight, the Tasting Rooms, South Ward Road, last night was the place to be, writes Garry Fraser.
As part of Dundee's Summer Festival, Opera Alba were there to present a mixture of favourites from opera and operetta, sung with a nice informality but with plenty of expertise.
The ensemble, Daisy Henderson (soprano), Jenny Wilson-Best (soprano), John Carlo Bellotti (tenor) and Steven Faughey (baritone) were in fine voice, with admirable backing from pianist Oliver Rundell. The mix of music was excellent. The opening Brindisi from Verdi's La Traviata was a perfect introduction and the music, some familiar, some not so, flowed on courtesy of Dvorak, Moazrt, Bernstein and Puccini, to name but few. There were many highlights and these included a wonderful Soave sia il Vento from Cosi fan Tutte and the famous quartet from Verdi's Rigoletto.
Any solos were performed with style and skill. but it was the ensemble singing, which Opera Alba are renowned, which gave a small but appreciative audience much to remember.
Garry Fraser writing in the Dundee Courier July 24th, 2006.


"Fantastic night at the opera..."

Opera Alba, formed only four months ago, states its aim is "bringing opera to the people of Scotland and beyond".
This is it achieves admirably, and much more.
The quartet - tenor John Carlo Bellotti, baritone Steven Faughey and sopranos Daisy Henderson and Heather Stewart (the latter standing in for Jenny Wilson Best) - delivered a fast-moving repertoire.
The evening was off to a lively start with Brindisi from La Traviata, followed by a selection of arias from some of the greatest works of Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and Gounod.
Bellotti gave a rumbustious performance of Questa o quella from Rigoletto.
Another highlight was Faughey teaming up with the sopranos in an enchanting rendition of Soave Sia Il Vento from Cosi fan Tutte.
Altogether, a night at the opera to be remembered.
Jim Strachan writing in the Aberdeen Evening Express, March 14, 2005.

Bringing world class singing to the people of Scotland and beyond.