Some performances remind you exactly why you love opera, why you travel to see it, why you step into these breathtaking theaters hoping to experience something unique. Last night at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Roméo et Juliette was one of those nights.

At the heart of it all? Nadine Sierra and Javier Camarena—two extraordinary artists who not only delivered a phenomenal performance but also share a connection that makes their chemistry on stage absolutely electric.

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Nadine Sierra: The Best Soprano on the Market Today? No Doubt.

Let’s not beat around the bush—Nadine Sierra is currently the best soprano out there. No discussion needed. Whether she’s singing bel canto, Verdi, or French repertoire, she delivers time and time again. And last night, the audience at San Carlo proved just how much they adore her.

Her performance of L’air du Poison was pure magic—so much so that it was encored! The applause went on for minutes, and rightly so. Watching her perform, you realize why opera still has the power to captivate, why people will travel across countries to hear that one aria, that one moment of perfection. As Maria Callas used to say, true artists create a miracle every time they step on stage. Nadine is one of those rare few.

She’s also one of the very few singers who can sell out an opera house months in advance, simply because the audience knows she will deliver something unforgettable.

Javier Camarena

If anyone deserved to sing this Roméo, it was Javier Camarena. And the most beautiful part? He literally manifested this moment! Back in 2023, when I interviewed him in Monte Carlo for La Fille du Régiment, I asked him about his “perfect role.” His dream? Singing Roméo… alongside Nadine Sierra.

Camarena is one of the most discreet yet powerful tenors of our time. No unnecessary theatrics, no over-the-top gestures—just pure, elegant artistry. His Roméo was a good one, his phrasing full of warmth and sincerity, and his chemistry with Sierra was exactly what you hope for in this opera.

Standout Performances from the Supporting Cast

Beyond our star couple, there were some outstanding performances:

Caterina Piva (Stéphano): I had already noticed and loved her in La Forza del Destino in Barcelona, and last night she was a delight! Her aria was playful, charismatic, and filled with energy as she roamed across the stage, bringing a wonderful lightness to the role.

Alessio Arduini (Mercutio): Singing in good French is no small feat, especially for non-native speakers, but Arduini absolutely nailed it. His Mercutio was sharp, witty, and vocally impressive.

And a quick mention for Gianluca Buratto (Frère Laurent), whose deep and resonant bass added gravitas to every scene he was in.

Sesto Quatrini & The Orchestra – A Perfect Fit

The music last night was in the hands of Sesto Quatrini, whom I had first discovered just a few weeks ago in Lyon conducting Madama Butterfly. And while I enjoyed his work there, I found him far more in his element with this repertoire. He conducted with grace, passion, and an innate sense of storytelling, bringing out the lush romanticism of Gounod’s score beautifully.

Teatro San Carlo: The Most Passionate Opera House?

Every time I come back to Teatro San Carlo, I’m reminded why it’s one of my favorite places on earth. Not just for its beauty, but for its audience—the most passionate, devoted opera lovers you could ask for.

I love walking through the halls, overhearing the conversations, recognizing the same faces. It’s a place where opera isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way of life.

Another unforgettable night at San Carlo, another proof that when you mix a perfect cast, a stunning production, and an audience that truly lives for opera—you get magic.

CASTING

Juliette | Nadine Sierra

Roméo | Javier Camarena

Frère Laurent | Gianluca Buratto

Mercutio | Alessio Arduini

Stéphano | Caterina Piva

Capulet  | Mark Kurmanbayev

Tybalt | Marco Ciaponi

Gertrude | Annunziata Vestri

Le duc de Vérone | Yunho Kim 

Pâris | Antimo Dell’Omo 

Benvolio | Sun Tianxuefei 

Gregorio | Maurizio Bove 

Conductor | Sesto Quatrini 

Stage Direction | Giorgia Guerra