Critiques

Also worth singling out were the powerful chorus scenes, particularly the Act III confrontation between the Montagues and the Capulets, and the restraint of the sparkling orchestra conducted by Jacques Lacombe that conveyed Gounod’s evocative music without overpowering the soloists.

Conductor Jacques Lacombe displayed a good feel for the piece’s style and kept the pace moving nicely, especially in the final scene, where other performances have bogged down.

Jacques Lacombe drew solid, stylistically responsible playing from the pit.

Conductor Jacques Lacombe shows a nice feel for the French style, bringing out the sweetness in Gounod’s lush score without letting it turn syrupy.

If the production confuses, the musical values are very strong, Maestro Jacques Lacombe steering orchestra and chorus and Stephen Costello and Ailyn Perez as the star- crossed lovers, make this production finer than worthwhile.