The Evening Standard

Splendid Handel from new talent

By Barry Millington

"... William Towers, tousle-haired and staring with kohl-blackened eyes, seized his moment with a genuinely disturbing characterisation of the demented hero.

His eloquent counter-tenor, which also coped commendably with virtuoso triplet runs, was well contrasted with the warm, sensuous one of Christopher Ainslie, taking the role of his rival, Medoro.

Angelica, the common object of their affection, was sung superbly by Rebecca Ryan; her aria demanding proof of Orlando's love was particularly lovely.

Nicholas Warden was a commanding Zoroastro, while Joana Seara, as the shepherdess Dorinda, won all hearts with her wide-eyed, virginal readiness for the joys of love, all the more amusing for being learnt from a book...."

"... The vocalists, players and stage staff are drawn from the ranks of emerging talent by Independent Opera, a much-needed platform for outstanding entrants to the profession...."

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