Recording Michael Hurd’s opera, The Aspern Papers

I have been in Belfast this week for recording sessions on Michael Hurd’s operatic version of Henry James’ novella The Aspern Papers. The Ulster Orchestra sounded wonderful in the generous acoustic of the Ulster Hall and George Vass was again at the helm, following the success of his recent recording of Hurd’s The Widow of Ephesus, which included two of the singers also appearing on this disc – Louise Winter and Pippa Goss. Louise and Owen Gilhooly appear with me in the adjacent photo.

The full cast list in order of appearance: Servant: Clare McCaldin; Harry Jordan: Owen Gilhooly; Mrs Prest: Pippa Goss; Miss Tina: Clare McCaldin; Juliana Bordereaux: Louise Winter.