Turandot

The Times (11Jan01): [Christopher Alden] s production was good when it was new six years ago – and it has consistently got better. [Anna Shafajinskaya] has the perfect Turandot voice, bright, steely, tireless, steady as a rock. She can take the pressure off and sing with melting expressiveness. She s a natural creature of the stage as well, acting the rôle with subtlety and depth. A most auspicious debut. [Dennis O Neill] is in his prime. [Juanita Lascarro] is a most appealing Liu. [Stephen Richardson] is an exceptionally accomplished Timur. Singing of this quality in combination with a really grown-up production makes Turandot a pretty shattering experience. 5