Reviews

...At the head of a sumptuous Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo of recent memory, scrupulous musician Jacques Lacombe brings an excess, a flamboyance, which alone can save the tedium of a concert version…

...A strong masterful musical direction [...] the Quebecois maestro Jacques Lacombe with precise, lively and energetic gestures tailors each section of the able-bodied Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo and restores life, passion and fluid energy to the score.  A conductor in perfect agreement with the singers and musicians as evidenced by the evocative intensity of the overture, the instrumental dialogue in the beginning of Act IV between the divine calling of the church organ and the human desire voiced in the cello or the sound of the harp announcing the prayers of Leonora.

This demanding line of musical direction matched best with the unusually high level of artistry achieved by Juan Diego Flórez throughout the performance…

...On their feet cheering for the hero [Juan Diego Flórez] of the evening, the public neglects to fully celebrate as it should Jacques Lacombe, who first modestly invites the orchestra and the impeccable choir to take a bow. One must not forget that the success of such an event is also based on leadership that, while highlighting the performers, knows how to ennoble that in the music which can sometimes be trivial. Great voices of course, but also great conductor.

...Spirited and full of momentum, the direction of Jacques Lacombe highlights the drama contained in the score, and enlivens the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo to a state of grace highlighting excellent solos, including a most beautiful cello.
Ten months after the stage performances in the same place, it is with happiness that one plunges back into La Favorite, and it is without hesitation that one joins in the applause of a public in awe…

...This concert version benefited greatly from the conductor Jacques Lacombe who knows how to infuse into the excellent Orchestre Philarmonique de Monte-Carlo (as well as the Chorus of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo) a breath-taking rhythm and a drive both passionate and vigorous pulling this “Favorite” towards the impetuous energy of the early works of Verdi.