Jane Eyre, Op. 134 (2004)
(An Opera in Three Acts after the novel by Charlotte Bronte)

April Fredrick sang with a lyrically gleaming soprano, soaring rapturously on Joubert’s singer-friendly lines. David Stout supplied virile tone as Rochester … Kenneth Woods conducted a well-prepared performance that ought on disc to win new admirers for the operatic Joubert 

Five Stars. The tears in our eyes at the end of this professional première of John Joubert’s Jane Eyre were quickened not only by the ravishing music of Jane and Rochester’s reconciliation, but also by the sheer emotional importance of the occasion … Joubert’s vision was finally fulfilled … the near-ninety year-old acknowledged thunderous applause after a tremendous performance of a wonderful score.

Five Stars. The support from cast members was exemplary, and the orchestra … in the warm and immediate acoustic of Birmingham’s Ruddock Hall, sounded polished and vibrant … there was an added poignancy in the standing ovation, and a feeling that something of real value had taken place: an important contribution to the repertoire, deserving of a place on the world opera stage.