Swedish soprano Julia Sporsén's house and role debut as Komponist in Scottish Opera's new production of Ariadne auf Naxos has earned her critical acclaim:
"Sporsén gave a truly magnificent performance, outraged at her opera seria being adapted and ruined by low-art burlesque. Her final aria, an outpouring on the importance of music and high art was passionately delivered, and one of the evening’s musical highlights."
David Smythe, Backtrack ****
"[It] is the women who stand out as the characters who steer and sustain a path through the piece's complexities, none more so than Swedish soprano Julia Sporsén as the composer. A role conceived for a soprano playing a man, hers is updated to a female composer, shedding fresh light on the relationships at play."
Carol Main, The List ****
"Soprano Julia Sporsén was convincing as the affronted composer, her moving scenes with Zerbinetta – Jennifer France channeling Dita Von Teese – a highlight."
Susan Nickalls, The Scotsman
"Musically, this duet was beautiful, with Sporsén and former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Jennifer France as Zerbinetta producing a gorgeous blend, as the characters learn that despite coming from different walks of life, they may have more in common than they thought."
Miranda Heggie, The Arts Desk ****
Ariadne auf Naxos is a co-production with Opera Holland Park, where Julia will appear as Komponist this summer. She returns there following previous successes with the company as Katya Kabanova, Nedda Pagliacci, Gilda Rigoletto and Micaela Carmen.
A trailer for the production can be seen here.
