"Playing, singing and conducting are all excellent; Jane Irwin rises impressively to the challenge of the wide soprano-to-mezzo range of Biskra’s part, with Damian Thantrey’s Guimard equally secure and accurate"

"Jane Irwin gives a fearless performances as Biskra, Damian Thantrey is bruised and swaggering as Guimard and Philip Sheffield is a sensitive Yusuf…Ian Ryan [conducts] Music Co-OPERAtive Scotland, a collective of Scottish Opera’s freelance players who clinch the taught [sic], simmering angularity as well as the glittering refinement of Chisholm’s ensemble-writing"

"one of the most striking features of Chisholm's score is its highly imaginative orchestration for a chamber ensemble, shimmering with colour, menace and atmosphere. Chisholm's score is illuminated by brilliant and uneasy flashes of instrumental colour."

OPERA NOW