Page 391 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book

Nevertheless, Gianni Schicchi is very much an ensemble piece and although Terfel led the
ensemble of singers it was very much a team effort. Indyana Schneider as Zeta and Felipe
Cudina as Simone made striking impressions. The latter’s bass was one of the strongest
voices of the team. Anaïs Constans as Lauretta had the opera’s best known aria “O mio
babbino caro” which she delivered with style and beauty of tone – no wonder her father
could not resist her pleas. Her boyfriend Rinuccio was tenor Matteo Roma whose very
Italianate timbre was ideal for the romantic lead. All the voices blended nicely. The
ensemble in praise of Florence rang out warmly. I’ll be looking out for all of today’s singers
in the future.

Hindoyan ensured that the orchestra supported the singers without overwhelming them.
They added colour and depth to the performance and just at key moments came to the fore,
as when Schicchi chases the family members out of “his” house. When he joined the RLPO
Hindoyan said that he wanted to do more opera with them; I look forward to more such
ventures.