Rossini's epic Mosè e faraone comes to life on stage with an excellent, if somewhat unexpected, cast. The standout is Olivia Stapp, who defies expectations. While known for her commanding performances in roles like Aida, Tosca, and even Elektra, she proves an inspired choice for Rossini, delivering a fiery performance with impressive technical agility.

Yevgeny Nesterenko is both imposing and suave in the title role, complemented by Simon Estes as Faraone, who matches Nesterenko's vocal gravitas with equal authority. Another unexpected delight is the conducting of Wolfgang Sawallisch, whose leadership highlights the musical value of this work. At a time when Rossini was often relegated to less-established conductors, Sawallisch's expert hand elevates the piece significantly.