"High presentational standards provided a solid background to a foreground focus on the 12 young artists fortunate enough to take part in the NOS's valuable programme. Under the assured direction of Roy Laughlin, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia matched the styles of the seven featured composers ably, even without the use of period instruments for Handel or Mozart. Bringing in such an experienced director as John Copley also paid dividends, and his keen understanding of how to get singers to move and interact on stage was apparent throughout.
"Robert Murray offered a pleasing tenor, both as Jack in The Midsummer Marriage (with Cora Burggraaf a delectable Bella) and especially as Des Grieux in Manon, including a peachy `En fermant les yeux'. His partner in the Massenet was one of three artists who made an outstanding impression. Kate Royal's already rich lyric soprano was offset by her poised stage presence here and as Melisande in the Pelleas tower scene (where James McOran-Campbell partnered her creditably).
"The Welsh baritone Paul Carey Jones sang Golaud, but his most striking contribution came right at the start of the evening as Zurga in Les Pecheurs de perles. This is a beefy, wide-ranging instrument, and he has presence to spare, as does the equally remarkable New Zealand tenor Andrew Sritheran, whose Werther, sung with bright, easy confidence, showed Heldentenor potential. Given the nature of their instruments, these two in particular are going to have to tread carefully. All being well they, and several of their colleagues, look set to become significant players on the operatic scene."
George Hall, Opera Magazine, July 2004
