Classic FM Live 2023 at the Royal Albert Hall: photos from our night of operatic hits

12 April 2023, 21:27 | Updated: 18 September 2023, 16:16

Soprano Danielle De Niese performs with the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Picture: Matt Crossick

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

Explore all the photo highlights from Classic FM Live on 12 April, when we filled the Royal Albert Hall with lights, fireworks and the greatest hits of opera.

Classic FM Live with Viking returned to London’s Royal Albert Hall on 12 April 2023 for a sparkling night at the opera.

World-renowned soprano Danielle De Niese, star American baritenor Michael Spyres, and boy treble Malakai Bayoh, took to the stage to sing enduring operatic melodies – from arias ‘Habanera’ and ‘Nessun dorma’, to great opera overtures by Mozart and Verdi.

Opening with Carl Orff’s monumental ‘O Fortuna’ from Carmina Burana, the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus were our ensemble and choir for the evening, performing music from Carmen, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and The Marriage of Figaro under the baton of Paul Daniel.

Explore our selection of photo highlights below...

Welcome to the stage – the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus!

Conductor Paul Daniel leads the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Picture: Matt Crossick
Your hosts for the evening, Alexander Armstrong and Myleene Klass...

Alexander Armstrong and Myleene Klass host Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Matt Crossick
Superstar soprano Danielle De Niese performs ‘Habanera’ from Carmen

Danielle De Niese sings ‘Habanera’ from Carmen. Picture: Matt Crossick
Danielle De Niese with Agustín Lara’s thrilling ‘Granada’

Danielle De Niese with Agustín Lara’s thrilling ‘Granada’. Picture: Matt Crossick
American baritenor Michael Spyres delights with Rossini’s ‘Figaro’ aria

Michael Spyres delights audience with Rossini’s ‘Largo al factotum’. Picture: Matt Crossick
Maestro Paul Daniel leads the English National Opera Chorus

English National Opera Chorus led by Paul Daniel. Picture: Matt Crossick
Michael Spyres entertains with vocal acrobatics in ‘Figaro’ aria

Michael Spyres entertains with vocal acrobatics in ‘Figaro’ aria. Picture: Matt Crossick
Glorious Mozart and Verdi overtures from the English National Opera Orchestra

Mozart and Verdi overtures from the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Picture: Matt Crossick
Michael Spyres brings the house down with Puccini’s ‘Nessun dorma’

Michael Spyres sings Puccini's aria 'Nessun dorma'. Picture: Matt Crossick
Boy treble Malakai Bayoh makes his Royal Albert Hall solo debut

Malakai Bayoh sings Handel at Classic FM Live. Picture: Matt Crossick
Paul Daniel congratulates Malakai on his performance and standing ovation!

Paul Daniel gives Malakai Bayoh a fist-bump. Picture: Matt Crossick
English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Paul Daniel

English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Paul Daniel. Picture: Matt Crossick
Michael Spyres and Danielle De Niese duet on Verdi’s ‘Drinking Song’

Michael Spyres and Danielle De Niese sing Verdi’s ‘Drinking Song’. Picture: Matt Crossick
Chorus and audience sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the star soloists!

Michael Spyres and Danielle De Niese embrace at Classic FM Live. Picture: Matt Crossick
Confetti rains down for a grand finale from the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus

English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Picture: Matt Crossick