Delibes: Lakmé - Sutherland, Vrenios, Bacquier, Tourangeau, Opthof; Bonynge. Philadelphia, 1968

Lakmé Léo Delibes (1836 - 1891) DESCRIPTION Joan Sutherland captures the exotic mysticism of the title character in Lakmé with remarkable assurance, combining opulence of tone with her signature laser-accurate coloratura. The cast is composed of frequent collaborators, and one senses both the chemistry among the singers and a shared philosophy of articulation and phrasing, due in no small part to Richard Bonynge’s meticulous preparation. Anastasios Vrenios’s honey-toned Gérard offers a masterclass in French style, while Gabriel Bacquier brings a robust yet elegant character to Nilakantha. CAST Lakmé – Joan Sutherland Nilakantha – Gabriel Bacquier Mallika – Huguette Tourangeau Hadji – Luciano del Moral Gérald – Anastasios Vrenios Ellen – Maxine Makas Frédéric – Cornelius Opthof Rose – Jacqueline Pierce Miss Benson – Alicia Maraslian DETAILS Location: Philadelphia Date: November 1968 Conductor: Richard Bonynge Catalogue Number: OD 12414-2 Label: Opera Depot Number of Discs: 2 In Mono