Lyon Opera Chorus & Orchestra

“Supreme Natalie. She was the pretext to this Sonnambula performed in concert version at the Opéra de Lyon and later at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris. Natalie Dessay, all radiance, virtuosity and musicality most naturally triumphed in a repertoire where she has few equals in this day. Not to mention Evelino Pidò’s superb conducting.” - Altamusica.com

“This is a lively, alert Sonnambula. Natalie Dessay is a particularly wakeful Amina, bright-voiced in the French tradition, sensitive and intelligent… Even so, there is not a great deal of imagination in the singing until it comes to the final aria, "Ah, non credea mirarti", and there Dessay does indeed give a most lovely performance, singing with deep feeling and warm tone.” Gramophone Magazine, Janurary 2008

“Evelino Pidò conducts magnificently. Quite simply, Natalie Dessay is the most accomplished and the most affecting Amina on record since Callas.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007 *****

“A vintage champagne of an opera served up with all the passion of a master sommelier. Gardner the Francophile conducts with real zest. A splendid memento of his work in Lyon and the wonderful company spirit he engendered there.” Gramophone Magazine, October 2008

“The Monteverdi Choir is on blistering form, and there's some stylish playing from the modern instruments of Lyon Opera. Thomas Allen brings extraordinary dignity to Orestes.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007