COGNOSCENTI An evening of historic performances with Chelsea Opera Group presented by Brian Godfrey: Monday February 13th 2012 6pm for 6.30 pm. Full details, including how to book a seat, can be found here

♫DISCOVER THE THRILL OF SINGING OPERA♫ For a pdf of details of what is involved and how to apply click here.

La forza del destino was first heard 150 years ago in St Petersburg, its episodic structure and important chorus part having a lasting influence on Russian opera. This is the original version, differing from the more familar revision in its shorter overture, an additional tenor aria, and a finale of bitter catastrophe rather than religious consolation. (More about the opera).

The performance will be conducted by Robin Newton, who is making his debut with COG. The cast includes Gweneth-Ann Jeffers (Leonora), Peter Auty (Alvaro), Robert Poulton (Don Carlo), Brindley Sheratt (Guardiano) and Donald Maxwell (Melitone).

Booking has started and tickets can be obtained from the Queen Elizabeth Hall or in person at the ticket office, Royal Festival Hall Foyer.

"The ardour of the south, the energy of the north, brazen lungs, at silver voice, a golden talent,' Rossini said. Nelly Miricioiu, veteran diva who at her best
can approach a Callas de nos jours, rose to the role with distinction, mustering and mastering carefully shaped phrases with energy and ardour. She always 'gives a
performance', and much in this one was admirably, movingly achieved." (Andrew Porter reviewing Belisario in Opera Magazine February 2011)

"As for Elizabeth Woods, it is hard to provide a technical commentary to her nigh-on-perfect performance." (Mariana Romani reviewing Simon Boccanegra at MusicalCriticism.com). To see the Elizabeth Woods in Come in quest`ora bruna click here.

"This is an opera which needs performing with care and with love; Chelsea Opera Group gave it both and the results paid immense dividends."
(Robert Hugill reviewing COG's performance of Cendrillon, at Music & Vision.)

"This was a performance of which any opera company would have been proud." (Robert Hugill reviewing COG's performance of I puritani, at Music & Vision.)

"Opera simply does not come much better than this: the Chelsea Opera Group’s concert performance of Verdi’s Macbeth was an unqualified triumph in musical and dramatic terms." (Evan Dickerson at Seen and Heard)

"I have seen several expensively staged productions of this work but I have never been as gripped by the COG performance last week". (Clare Colvin in the Sunday Express).

For links to complete reviews of recent performances please click here.

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