Nabucco, Opera North, Leeds Town Hall

Egypt looking good. Apart from the man with the stick

That the singing was as rich and free and gloriously coloured as it was in this concert performance is down to a miracle of casting: every singer in this project is in a role that suits them ideally. As Zaccaria, Alastair Miles's passionate, intelligent performance was quite unlike his recent showing at Covent Garden. Claire Rutter's Abigaille is electrifying, Camilla Roberts's Anna elegant, and Jane Irwin's Fenena an example of how poignant and impactful this often undercast role can be. Alan Opie's age and vulnerability have added to the complexity of his Nabucco, and with company favourite Leonardo Cap albo as Ismaele, this was a reminder of how potent ensemble casting can be when the chemistry is right.

To 1 October, 0113 224 3801