V1815. LORRAINE HUNT LIEBERSON, w.Nicholas McGegan Cond. Philharmonia Baroque Orch.: Les Nuits d’Été (Berlioz); Arias from Giulio Cesare, Ottone, Arianna, Agrippina & Radamisto (all Handel). Philharmonia Baroque PBP-01, Live Performances, 1991 & 1995, Berkeley, CA, Gatefold Edition. - 852188003010

CRITIC REVIEWS:

“…this is a release of almost painful beauty. It is admirably presented, with notes and remembrances, plus full texts….With so many recordings of [the Berlioz] score done by so many wonderful singers, preferences for voices dictate choices among them. But this is, for me, one of the most sensitive renditions I have ever encountered….I cannot remember hearing [Lieberson] sing (on records) with such richness of vocal sound, much less with such utterly committed musicianship and feeling.”

- John W. Barker, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE, July/Aug., 2011



"There are certain musical performances you always remember, and I can remember exactly what it felt like standing there next to her for the Berlioz. It was thrilling. You don’t forget that. Her artistry shines through on this recording."

-Nicholas McGegan (PBO's Music Director)



“Hunt Lieberson sings with refreshing honesty and self effacement. The result is a level of musical truth that is rarely encountered.”

-Opera News



In conjunction with the Orchestra’s 30th Anniversary Season, Music Director Nicholas McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra announce the launch of the ensemble’s own recording label, Philharmonia Baroque Productions. The label’s début release showcases the late Lorraine Hunt Lieberson in a live 1995 recording of Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été and a live 1991 recording of arias from Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Ottone, Arianna, Radamisto, and Agrippina. Hunt Lieberson had a long and fruitful relationship with McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque. The Berlioz is the last of seven acclaimed recordings she made with the orchestra and the first time she ever sang the full Berlioz song cycle in performance. Lorraine was in her element, and the result was splendid. These incredibly moving performances are now available to a wide audience for the first time.