Tim's 'outstanding' and 'first-rate' Bertarido at Garsington Opera

Tim returned to Garsington Opera this summer for his third production of one of Handel’s finest operas, Rodelinda. Directed by Ruth Knight and conducted by Peter Whelan, the production has enjoyed many rave reviews, including glowing responses to Tim’s portrayal of Bertarido.

“Tim Mead’s gloriously rich-toned Bertarido, is first-rate”
Guardian

“Mead was outstanding, pouring out stream upon stream of burnished tone and with the nimbleness to encompass some of the composer’s most florid arias. He brought plenty of nobility to Bertarido too… a surefooted and detailed actor, his arias were masterclasses in conveying intent through body language and understated gesture.”
Musical America

“Tim Mead’s seasoned Bertarido could hardly be bettered by any male alto today… every one of Bertarido’s arias was a highlight of the evening, Mead crowning his performance with thrilling vollets of coloratura in his final showpiece, ‘Vivi, tiranno’.
Operalogue

“Tim Mead’s Bertarido was equally impressive, with ‘Dove sei, amato bene’ beautifully shaped and lustrous in tone, creating an atmosphere of stillness and poetic grace which will linger long in the memory. ‘Con rauco mormorio’ was intensely beautiful, and his forgiveness towards those who had betrayed him made the scene the climactic height which it should be.”
MusicOMH

“no less impressive was her ravishing duet with her husband Bertarido, countertenor Tim Mead, who was equally fine, vocally and histrionically. Wondering in Act 1 when and where he can be reunited with his beloved wife, “Dove sei, amato bene”, all the poignancy of his situation was expressed with noble sorrowing tone and seductive line… a feast of fine English countertenor singing, from the established master”
Bachtrack

“Both countertenors are sublime. Tim Mead’s honeyed timbre makes much of Bertarido’s anguish, but displays vocal firepower too.”
The Times

“Tim Mead (Bertarido) possessed both vocal and dramatic intensity”
Opera Now

“Tim Mead exudes a bright, crisp tone as Bertarido ensuring stable and moving performances of ‘Dove sei’ and ‘Vivi tiranno...”
Seen and Heard International

“a moving account of a character who wins through due to sheer determination and cunning”
The Stage

Photo: Craig Fuller