Gianandrea National Symphony Orchestra – Barber: Vanessa [SACD]

Gianandrea Noseda and the National Symphony Orchestra present a gripping new recording of Samuel Barber’s Vanessa the Pulitzer Prize-winning American opera of love longing and illusion. In Barber’s atmospheric emotionally charged score echoes of Verdi Puccini and Hitchcock-era Hollywood intertwine with a distinctly modern American voice. This performance brings together an exceptional cast including Nicole Heaston J’Nai Bridges Matthew Polenzani Susan Graham and Thomas Hampson who illuminate Gian Carlo Menotti’s haunting tale of desire across generations. Recorded live in concert this release captures Vanessa’s sweeping romanticism and psychological depth with vivid orchestral color and extraordinary vocal artistry. A landmark addition to the contemporary operatic discography it reveals why Vanessa remains one of the 20th century’s most compelling operas.