Omar Ebrahim and Elizabeth Atherton received great praise for the ‘terrific intensity’ (Richard Morrison, The Times) of their performances in Penderecki’s St Luke Passion with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall.
The concert formed part of the orchestra’s Belief and Beyond Belief festival and was conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, with Penderecki himself in attendance.
“While poised, liquid soprano Elizabeth Atherton beautifully underpinned the moments of quiet reflection …Omar Ebrahim’s spoken Latin narrative…provided the weight and solemnity which feeds directly into centuries of sacred works, just as Penderecki intended it should.” – Cara Chanteau, The Independent
“Omar Ebrahim was urgent and impassioned in the spoken role of the Evangelist; Elizabeth Atherton admirable as the reflective soprano soloist” – Barry Millington, The Evening Standard
“Omar Ebrahim…followed Jurowski’s example in keeping up the dramatic pressure so effectively it had me wondering if this Passion might not be a candidate for being staged… Elizabeth Atherton’s soprano fitted the music superbly, creating an ambience of ethereal distance” – Peter Reed, Classical Source
On 10 March, Omar Ebrahim begins a series of performances at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester of the Actors Touring Company’s production of The Suppliant Women, which opened in Edinburgh last September to great critical acclaim. His portrayal of Danaus was praised as “a beautifully inflected, heartfelt performance” (David Kettle, theartsdesk.com). Click here for more information.
Elizabeth Atherton will perform the role of Meni in the UK Premiere of Thomas Adès’ opera The Exterminating Angel, which opens at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on 24 April. Click here for more information.
Photo Credit: Simon Jay Price
