Presto Recording of the Week
21st March 2025

Gramophone Magazine
May 2025
Editor's Choice

Germán Enrique Alcántara (Simon Boccanegra), Eri Nakamura (Maria/Amelia), William Thomas (Fiesco), Iván Ayón-Rivas (Gabriele Adorno), Sergio Vitale (Paolo Albiani)

The Hallé, Chorus of Opera North, RNCM Opera Chorus, Sir Mark Elder

The original version of Simon Boccanegra, first performed in 1857, is a masterpiece of concision and spare vocal delivery, having many important differences from the later 1881 version, including one of Verdi’s most innovative central finales.

Sir Mark Elder leads a star cast including Eri Nakimura as Amelia, Iván Ayón-Rivas as her lover Gabriele, William Thomas as Fiesco and the young Argentinian baritone Germán Enrique Alcántara in the title role.

"It is the Hallé that is as much of a star of the show as any of the principals. Any regret that the opportunity was not taken of employing a period orchestra is swept away by the magnificence of the playing." - Gramophone Magazine, May 2025