Performer: Chœur de Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège

The Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège takes a risk in mounting a new, but traditional production of the more rarely heard French version of Verdi’s Don Carlos and succeeds with a great ensemble of singers. 

Stefano Mazzonis di Pralafera's staging for Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège is stolid in direction, but Speranza Scappucci breathes life into Verdi's drama from the pit. 

Cura's powerful spinto tenor impressed from his opening “Esultate!” and left no doubt as to the Moor's authority.