Renowned for their vocal virtuosity, mezzo-soprano Marie-Nicole Lemieux and tenor Michael Spyres (OPER! 2024 Best Singer) join forces with pianist Giulio Zappa for a concert featuring works by Donizetti and Berlioz. Part of Opera Rara’s multi-year Donizetti Song Project, the programme includes lost and forgotten songs by Gaetano Donizetti – many of which have not been heard in more nearly 200 years.

Celebrated internationally in the bel canto repertory, Marie-Nicole Lemieux and Opera Rara’s Artist Ambassador Michael Spyres have performed in the world’s most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. Giulio Zappa, who joins them at the piano, enjoys a long-standing reputation as one of the world’s foremost accompanists. With a programme curated by Donizetti expert Roger Parker, this is a unique opportunity to hear three of the world’s finest operatic artists live in concert.

PROGRAMME:

Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
‘L’aube nait et ta porte est close’ °
‘Si tu m’as fait à ton image’ °
‘Oh ne me chasse pas’ °

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
‘La belle voyageuse’ °
‘L’origine de la harpe’ °

Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
‘La folle de Sainte Hélène’ *

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
‘Nuit d’ivresse’ (Les Troyens)° *

~ Interval ~

Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
‘Pas d’autre amour que toi’ *
‘La fiancée du timbalier’ *
‘Aux filles que l’ennui chagrine’ *

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
‘La mort d’Ophélie’ *

Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
‘La dernière nuit d’un novice’ °
Duo ‘La prière’ (‘Voici le jour qui va paraître’) ° *

This concert is generously supported by Andrea Pessino, Opera Rara’s 2024/25 Season Donizetti Songs Supporter

The Donizetti Song Project is supported by the Opera Rara Donizetti Syndicate.

This recital is supported by Colwinston Charitable Trust, Cockayne Grants for the Arts and London Community Foundation. Mr Spyres’ performance is generously supported by Philip Eisenbeiss.

With special thanks to Opera Rara’s Donizetti Patron, His Excellency The Italian Ambassador.