Oropesa Shines in Engaging Royal Opera I Puritani Staging

Lisette Oropesa delivered a standout performance in the Royal Opera House's new staging of Vincenzo Bellini's "I Puritani," a production helmed by director Richard Jones. The opera, last seen at Covent Garden nearly 35 years ago, demands exceptional vocal agility and endurance from its singers, a challenge Oropesa met with apparent effortlessness. The production opened on July 1, 2026.

Beyond the vocal pyrotechnics, conductor Riccardo Frizza made his house debut, drawing out the intricate orchestral details of Bellini's 1835 score. Frizza's direction provided buoyancy and momentum, enhancing the pulsing accompaniments without overpowering the singers. The Guardian's review highlighted the performance as opera as sport, emphasizing the elite athleticism required of the performers.

"I Puritani" is Bellini's final opera, known for its demanding high notes and intricate melodic lines. The Royal Opera's production aimed to satisfy audiences seeking both vocal prowess and compelling dramatic interpretation. The review suggests that the combination of Oropesa's vocal brilliance and Jones's detailed staging, supported by Frizza's sensitive conducting, made for an engaging theatrical experience.