“Bass-baritone Stephen Hegedus is all-conquering as stormy lord of the manor, Count Almaviva. Relentlessly on target, blisteringly passionate, Hegedus delivers what to all appearances is a career-defining performance. My lady, forgive me (Contessa perdono), pleads Almaviva, his lechery finally unmasked. The duet with Rosina that follows, supercharged with hurt and regret, tears at our emotions. Hegedus captures his doomed character in all his frailty, helpless, frightened, his voice reduced almost to a whisper. A remarkable portrait from a remarkable artist.”