Pepito album reviewed by Opera Wire and The Rehearsal Studio

Pepito (the album) received a glowing review in Opera Wire by Chris Ruel as well as Stephen Smoliar of The Rehearsal Studio. The album releases on May 1 on bandcamp, so head over there to buy a copy!

Review in Opera Wire: https://operawire.com/cd-review-nick-benavides-and-marella-martin-kochs-pepito/

Excerpt:

“Nicolas Lell Benavides’s score, prepared for soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and bass, along with a chamber orchestra, is light, fun, and full of playful moments. Sonorous, rich, with sweeping moments in the brass and string sections, bring a lush, open, and stirring touch. Benavides composed a memorable sonic experience that complements and augments Koch’s libretto. The score, though whimsical, is not frivolous…

…The recording quality is exemplary. There’s no mushiness to be heard—enabling the listener to capture Koch’s words sans libretto, even during interwoven lines of text.

Crystal clear diction from the singers and tight conducting by Benavides makes the album sparkle. Just as David and Camila give Pepito a chance, I encourage you to, as well.”

• Chris Ruel, Opera Wire

Preview/review in The Rehearsal Studio: https://therehearsalstudio.blogspot.com/2020/04/watch-party-scheduled-for-new-benavides.html

“Even without costumes (shown in the above photograph), this studio performance is a convincing one… Benavides’ understanding of diction almost always prevails in such a way that one has little trouble following the overall narrative. ”

• Stephen Smoliar, The Rehearsal Studio