“As Octavian, Jessie Raven displayed singing of considerable richness and ample power. Her acting was very good indeed, aided by her striking height and good looks. With further experience in this role, she seems likely to develop into a truly exceptional Octavian, but her assumption of the part is quite satisfying already”.

“Jessie Raven, in the role of Octavian, was superb. Her role requires a woman to portray a 17-year-old boy who spends much of the opera disguised as a servant girl. She was just perfect for the part. The final kiss between Octavian and Sophie was one of the best stage kisses I’ve ever seen“.