“The quest for love is brought about quicker after the arrival of Sergeant Belcore – played by the talented Matthew Durkan… The Glyndebourne cast hit the perfect mix of high standard voices, acting and performance perfection, comic timing and character looks.”
Jayne Wiggins, What’s Good To Do, 13 November 2019
“Matthew Durkan has the ideal physique for the swaggering Belcore, tall and burly, and he makes the most of it, inserting himself forcefully into the action and presenting an excellent contract to Nemorino.”
Dominic Lowe, Bachtrack, 15 October 2019
“Matthew Durkan as Belcore swaggers convincingly.”
Amanda-Jane Doran, Classic Source, 13 October 2019
“Matthew Durkan is brilliantly pompous and self confident, handsome and bold and every inch the arrogant suitor.”
Andrew Kay, The Latest Brighton, 14 October 2019
“Arden has balanced the piece’s opposing elements astutely, while the individual characterisations are well-nigh faultless, founded, as they must be, on secure and vital vocalism…
Matthew Durkan is the bumptious solider Belcore, who places too much reliance on his manly charms before getting his comeuppance.”
George Hall, The Stage, 18 October 2019
“Matthew Durkan is perfect as Belcore, who is still engaging despite his arrogance and bluster. (There are no real villains in this story!)”
Alan Smith, Kent Online, 06 November 2019
“…Sergeant Belcore, was sung with bluster by Matthew Durkan.”
Rian Evans, The Guardian, 03 September 2019
“…Matthew Durkan, as the preening Sergeant Belcore, proves baritones can do coloratura too.”
Amanda Holloway, The Stage, 02 September 2019
“Abetted by pitch-perfect buffo work from Kiria…and from Matthew Durkan as the posturing Belcore, Glassberg’s debut outing with the Glyndebourne Tour Orchestra shone.”
Mark Valencia, Opera Magazine Volume 70 No. 12