Delibes Lakmé

Starring the exquisite coloratura soprano Emma Matthews as the innocent girl priestess Lakmé and superb tenor Aldo Di Toro as the lovestruck Gerald the story tackles religion and crosscultural love against a backdrop of British rule in India in the mid19th century French conductor Emmanuel JoelHornak brings out the full depth of the lush dramatic score with familiar high points being the beautiful renditions of the wellknown Flower duet and Bell Song Dominica Matthews adds her rich voice as Mallika and Stephen Bennett is darkly dominating as Brahmin priest Nilakantha Lakmés father while Roxane Hislop is a consumate Mistress Bentson Set and costume designs by Mark Thompson fill the stage with rich colour atmosphere and exoticism complemented by Nigel Levings warm lighting This restudied production originally conceived by Adam Cook is skilfully directed by Roger Hodgman