Ariane
Libretto by Bohuslav Martin? after Georges Neveux’s play “Le Voyage de Thesee”
Simona Saturova (Ariane), Zoltan Nagy (Theseus), Baurzhan Anderzhanov (Minotaurus), Abdellah Lasri (Bouroun/Wachmann), Tijl Faveyts (Alter Mann)
Aalto-Theater Essen Choir soloists

Double Concerto for Strings, Piano & Timpani
Ivo Kahanek (piano)

Sunday Times 14th August 2016
“This “light-hearted comedy” on the well worn subject of the Minotaur myth owes more, perhaps, to French baroque than to “grand” opera...The cast is entirely non-French...but Simona Saturova sings the title role with bright, penetrating, occasionally strident tone and has excellent support from Zoltan Nagy (Theseus), Baurzhan Anderzhanov (Minotaur) and Abdellah Lasri (Bouron, Guard)....Netopil conducts with complete conviction.”

The Guardian ****
“this recording, made live in 2014 in Essen, is the first in around 30 years ? and it’s very much worthwhile, thanks to a strong, idiomatic cast, conductor Toma? Netopil’s sympathy with the score, and the Essen orchestra’s flowing, characterful performance.”

The Times 19th August 2016 ****
“Netopil and the Essen Philharmonic find a lot for the listener to dive into: cool, glassy edges (prominent piano and glockenspiel), pulsing strings and ritualistic rhythms that hint at Ancient Greece. Best of all are three chewy orchestral interludes that give the piece a baroque flavour, in mood if not harmony.”