Every year, the Jette Parker Artists at the Royal Opera House get a chance to perform principal roles in a selection of opera scenes on the Opera House main stage.
This year on the 26th July, Ellen Pearson was a part of the Jette Parker Artists’ Summer Performance, singing with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra under the batons of Richard Farnes and Peggy Wu.
In a scene from Bizet’s opera Djamileh, Ellen played the role of Djamileh in a fabulous matching pink nightie and wig, alongside Baritone Sam Hird as Splendiano, and Tenor Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono as Haroun.
The reviews were universally positive for this solo debut on the main stage:
“The role of Djamileh sung by Ellen Pearson, displaying wonderful comedic timing as well as a rich, effusive mezzo soprano voice.”
Mike Hardy, OperaWire
“Ellen Pearson, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono and Sam Hird combined immaculate ensemble with impeccable comic timing, making the short scene one of the afternoon’s unexpected delights.”
Keith McDonnell, MusicOMH
“Ellen Pearson as the protagonist [Djamileh], with candy-floss pink hair, sang with a nimble, spinning tone and an impressively grounded lower register.”
Emily Arlidge, Opera Magazine
(Photography by Clive Barker).
