Iestyn Davies & Ensemble Guadagni
Iestyn Davies (counter-tenor) Ensemble Guadagni: Matthew Truscott (violin), Jonathan Manson (viola da gamba), David Miller (theorbo) & Robert Howarth (harpsichord, organ) "One of the most glorious countertenor voices in the world today" The Independent Winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Best Young Artist 2009, countertenor Iestyn Davies demonstrated that he is the outstanding artist of his generation. His expressiveness of tone, intensity of sound and musicianship were brought to bear in concert, and, of course, in opera, where his natural sense of drama stole many a show and, significantly, brought the spotlight back to the countertenor voice. Iestyn Davies emerged as one of the country’s leading countertenors following his prize in the London Handel Singing Competition in 2004, only shortly after completing his studies at St John’s College, Cambridge as a choral scholar. He was immediately identified as an exciting operatic prospect, and his rôles soon included Ottone in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea (Zurich Opera with Harnoncourt), Corrado in Vivaldi’s Griselda (Ensemble Matheus with Spinosi), and Hamor in Handel’s Jephtha (Welsh National Opera). Engagements quickly extended to rôles in Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria, also at WNO, and the parts of Apollo in Britten’s Death in Venice and Arsace in Partenope for English National Opera. He is equally active on the concert platform, appearing with many of the leading British ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, Polyphony and the Monteverdi Choir. He made his solo recording début in Vivaldi’s Griselda with Ensemble Matheus for Naïve. This recital was part of the Wigmore's Hall's ongoing 'Art of the Countertenor' series, which also featured Andreas Scholl and Bejun Mehta. “it is a pure delight...Davies reveals each aria’s individuality with a seemingly effortless but telling sense of style...Elsewhere, Davies traces an affecting range of melancholy, reflection and quiet bliss through pieces by Blow, Purcell and Buxtehude. He is a major vocal talent that is blossoming gloriously.” The Telegraph, 4th August 2010 “Iestyn Davies has established himself as the countertenor of the moment with a translucent voice that has no trace of the wobbly feminine bloom or hootiness that can haunt lesser singers...my favourite is his simply wondrous interpretation of Purcell's sublime Evening Hymn.” The Observer, 8th August 2010 “Davies is...equipped with intelligent, sensitive musicianship and a carefully honed technique that enables apparently easeful singing. His voice has an alluring, distinctive richness...even when the music is fast, he maintains an essential intimacy.” Sunday Times, 8th August 2010 **** “There's no trace in Davies' delivery of the epicene floridity to which some countertenors can be prey: rather, emotional acuity prevails, most impressively so on Purcell's "Gentle shepherds, you that know", delivered with commendable poise.” The Independent, 13th August 2010 **** | 
|
