On 20th February members of FCMG’s Senior Choir took part in the UK premiere of the opera Dead Man Walking by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Terrence McNally. The semi-staged performance was directed by Leonard Foglia. It featured the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, the BBC Singers and a large cast led by Joyce DiDonato as Sister Helen.
The Arts Desk ★★★★★
“An all-star supporting cast that included Susan Bickley, James Creswell and Susan Bullock, as well as a radiant performance from Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman as Sister Rose and fine contributions from both the BBC Singers and Finchley Children’s Music Group, gave their all, delivering one of the most complete and engrossing performances the Barbican has seen so far this season.”
Bachtrack ★★★★★
“the subtlety of the piece – of which there was a great deal – was coming from the voices, not the orchestra. And that includes both choruses: the BBC Singers were chilling in their impersonation of the jeering prisoners; the Finchley Children’s Music Group providing the contrasting sweetness and light of the convent’s young charges.”
The Stage ★★★
“while working with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers and Finchley Children’s Music Group, conductor Mark Wigglesworth ensures a tight, expertly driven performance.”
The Independent ★★★★★
The Times ★★★★★
Financial Times ★★★★★
Daily Telegraph ★★★
