Live from Cadogan Hall: Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Michael Spyres & Giulio Zappa - Donizetti & Friends

Opera Rara presents Donizetti & Friends: Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Michael Spyres & Giulio Zappa

Read the programme notes: https://issuu.com/operarara/docs/conc...

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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 than 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. The programme has been curated by Donizetti expert Roger Parker, who has also restored and edited the songs.

Coinciding with the release of Michael Spyres and Marie Nicole-Lemieux’s albums as part of Opera Rara’s Donizetti Songs collection, this is a unique opportunity to hear three of the world’s finest operatic artists live in concert.

Performers:
Michael Spyres, tenor
Marie-Nicole Lemieux, mezzo-soprano
Giulio Zappa, pianist

Page turner: Connor Baiano
Presenter: Flora Willson

PROGRAMME
00:02:45 Donizetti: Le Crépuscule “L'aube naît et ta porte est close”
00:06:59 Donizetti: “Si tu m'as fait à ton image”
00:11:19 Donizetti: “Oh! ne me chasse pas”
00:14:28 Berlioz: La Belle Voyageuse
00:19:04 Berlioz: L'Origine de la harpe
00:26:27 Donizetti: La Folle de Ste Hélène “Ils disent tous que je suis folle”
00:38:58 Berlioz: "Nuit d'ivresse" from Les Troyens
00:48:28 Donizetti: Pas d'autre amour que toi “Ah! si tu voulais, toi que j’aime”
00:52:32 Donizetti: La Fiancée du timbalier “Monseigneur le duc de Bretagne”
00:54:40 Donizetti: La Prière à Ste Catherine “Aux filles que l’ennui chagrine”
00:58:58 Berlioz: La mort d'Ophélie
01:08:16 Donizetti: La Dernière Nuit d’un Novice “Demain quand sonnera l’heure”
01:23:16 Donizetti: La Prière "Voici le jour qui va paraître"
01:29:30 Bizet: “C’est toi?… C’est moi” from Carmen

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

Michael Spyres' performance is generously made possible by Philip Eisenbeiss.

Marie-Nicole Lemieux appears courtesy of Warner Classics/Erato.

The Donizetti Song Project is supported by Opera Rara Donizetti Syndicate members Philip Eisenbeiss, Carlo Rizzi & Lucy Stout, Jon & Julia Aisbitt, Gerry Wakelin, Allan Heinberg, and The Donizetti Society in memory of its Chairman from 1989 to 2024 Alexander Weatherson, with special thanks to Opera Rara's Donizetti Patron, His Excellency The Italian Ambassador.

The Donizetti Song Project is also supported by the Colwinston Trust and the Cockayne Grants for the Arts at the London Community Foundation.