Nicolas André Conducts Benjamin Bernheim Gala
French tenor Benjamin Bernheim and soprano Sandra Hamaoui joined force with the Prague Philharmonia conducted by Nicolas André for a programme of French arias and duets. The audience and critics responded ecstatically to the beautiful voices and the uniquely French esprit of the night at Prague’s Smetana Hall:
“Thanks to Nicolas André, the entire evening had an irresistible French flavour.”
“Luckily the promoter had invited a French conductor for this French programme, the young Nicolas André, who gave the interpretation above all what is written between the lines – that special French esprit and style, which can be difficult to grasp for non-French conductors. The orchestra not only accompanied the singers’ performance excellently, but also played an instrumental arrangement of the famous Barcarolle from Offenbach's Contes d’Hoffmann and the introduction to the Second Act from Massenet's Manon. Thanks to Nicolas André, the entire evening had an irresistible French flavour.” (klasika plus)
© Petr Dyrc
“The recital by Benjamin Bernheim and Sandra Hamaoui was enhanced by the sensitive partnership of the Prague Philharmonia under the leadership of French conductor Nicolas André, who led the orchestra with subtle shades of dynamics and a multitude of pastel colours. He showed that interpretation can be effective even without thunderous fortissimo and superficial effects. The listeners were captivated by the subtlety of the phrasing and the depth of musical feeling. Both soloists confirmed that the French repertoire is above all an emotional experience, where every note and every nuance has its own meaning.” (opera plus)
