Arriaga: Herminie

Awards 2006

“In Agar the poignant duet for Hagar and her dying son Ishmael, and Hagar's tremendous final outburst of grief and rage, suggest what he might have achieved as a composer of tragic opera. Violet Serena Noorduyn, a soprano new to me, sings both cantatas, plus an impassioned aria for Dirce from Medée, with firm, glinting tone and plenty of temperament, while boy treble Brieuc Wathelet makes a touching Ishmael. The Brussels period orchestra... are lively accompanists, with the woodwind relishing their many solo opportunities.”