Welcome to the 2024 BBC Music Magazine Awards
The nominated recordings for the 2024 Opera Award are listed below.
The nominees for the 2024 Opera Award
Rodgers & Hammerstein
Oklahoma!
Nathaniel Hackmann, Sierra Boggess et al; Sinfonia of London/John Wilson
Chandos CHSA 5322(2)
A surprising entry for many, but here’s a recording that should be celebrated and a classic stage work that shouldn’t be underestimated. As ever, John Wilson brings great passion to this project, assembling not only his go-to band of top-notch orchestral players, but a cast totally perfect in their roles.
Puccini
Turandot
Sondra Radvanovsky, Jonas Kaufmann et al; Orchestra e Coro dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia/Antonio Pappano
Warner Classics 5419740659
Our original review called this ‘a major recording event’, indeed Antonio Pappano brought together a truly all-star cast for this glittering account of Puccini’s beloved opera. Beyond the great vocal performances, our review also said, ‘the rhythmic detail is electrifying, the conductor’s deep understanding of Puccini the symphonist mesmerising.’
Lully
Psyché
Ambroisine Bré, Deborah Cachet et al; Les Talens Lyriques/Christophe Rousset
Château de Versailles Spectacles CVS086
Lully’s rarely performed opera was given a ‘dazzling’ recording by Christophe Rousset and Les Talens Lyriques to mark the ensemble’s 20th anniversary. Rousset’s great charisma at the harpsichord might have carried the production along, but the vocal fireworks from the cast impressed, too. It was a fitting celebration.
Vote for the winner of this year's Opera Award
Voting will be open from Tuesday 23 January.
Opera Award
- Rodgers & Hammerstein Oklahoma!
- Puccini Turandot
- Lully Psyché
