Michel van der Aa's opera-film Theory of Flames has had its world premiere at Dutch National Opera, and mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston has been highly commended for her role as Marianne:
“Helen Charlston sings phenomenally as Marianne.”
Peter van der Lint, Trouw (Dutch daily newspaper)
“…Charlston’s resonant and velvety mezzo combining with her engaging stage presence.”
Hattie Butterworth, Opera Now
“For literary lovers, the quality of the English libretto will not go unnoticed, delivered impeccably by native English speakers. Helen Charlston’s Marianne languished over her kicking ‘k’ in “tiny flickering dots” while an explosive “we wait” sent shivers down the spine.”
Clare Varney, Bachtrack****
“…Helen Charlston (Marianne / Dr. Hari)… are excellent in their respective roles: beautiful voices placed at the service of sensitive performers who are perfectly at ease in vocal writings that we can believe have been written and modeled on their vocal characteristics”
Edoardo Saccenti, OperaClick
“The cast…Helen Charlston as Marianne…is uniformly excellent”
Shirley Apthorp, Financial Times
Read more about the production and watch the trailer here.
