"Gusmano combines a civilised exterior with a vicious streak and an obsessive jealousy when it comes to Alzira. James Cleverton ably conveyed this, moving from his first aria from platitude about peace to obsession with Alzira, and turning the screw on Kate Ladner's Alzira in their Act Two duet. Cleverton has developed into a fine Verdi baritone, singing with a shapely sense of well-filled line, combining power and flexibility with fearlessness when it comes to the top. Whilst Gusmano's death-bed convesion is a little difficult to make convincing, there is no doubt at all of the beauty with which Cleverton sang the aria, convincing us with sheer expressive technique. I certainly hope to hear James Cleverton in further Verdi roles."

Robert Hugill, 8 July 2018

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"The outstanding performances come from Cleverton and Yun... Cleverton, handsome-sounding and wonderfully subtle, really convinces both as the stiff-backed dictator of the opening scenes and the man of conscience at the close."

Tim Ashley, Guardian. 10 July 2018 

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"James Cleverton was admirably reliable, ladling out virile tone as a domineering Gusmano and so making his final change of heart all the more surprising"

Martin Dreyer, Opera. September 2018

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"Cleverton was a splendid Gusmano, proud and lyrical in his opening 'Eterna la memoria'. martial in its cabaletta and dramatically arresting throughout."

Colin Davison, British Theatre Guide. 7 July 2018

 

"Sherrill Milnes lookalike James Cleverton was a convincing Gusmano, shaping his lines with his strong, slightly grainy baritone."

Mark Pullinger, Bachtrack. 8 July 2018  

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"A very decent cast has been assembled: Kate Ladner as the put-upon heroine, James Cleverton as the governor and Jung Soo Yun as the rebel Inca all attack their music with stylish vigour"

Rupert Christiansen, Telegraph. 17 July 2018