"One reliable offering among the impressive variety of free concerts each summer in New York is the indefatigable New York Grand Opera Company, which (despite falling donations) continues to present staged productions at the Naumberg Bandshell in Central Park. 

Many summer events offer lighthearted fare, but on  a breezy evening on Wednesday, picnickers were serenaded with Verdi's 'Trovatore,' a story of witches, burned babies, distraught lovers and executions. 

The performance was directed by Roberto Stivanello and conducted by the energetic Vincent La Selva, a Verdi expert who founded the company in 1973.  From 1994 to 2001, he staged productions of all 28 Verdi operas in chronological order....

Mr. La Selva led a deftly paced, vibrant reading. The mezzo-soprano Erin Murphy offered an emotionally nuanced portrayal of Azucena, the Gypsy whose mother was burned as a witch and whose death she hopes to avenge.  Her earthy, dark voice effectively conveyed Azucena's anger and anguish.  The soprano Liora Michelle, as Leonora, a lady-in-waiting in love with the troubadour Manrico but courted aggressively by Count di Luna, sang expressively....The tenor Alejandro Olmedo was an ardent (if uneven) Manrico, singing 'Di quella pira' with aplomb.  The baritone Raemond Martin at times seemed wooden but offered some elegant singing as the Count, particularly effective as he expresses his passion for Leonora in 'Il balen del suo sorriso.' The bass Dominik Eberle was effective as Ferrando, the count's henchman.  The cast also included the soprano Lucia Palmieri as Ines (Leonora's confidante) and Jan Dash and William Brooke in smaller roles. The most vociferous applause was reserved for Mr. La Selva, who certainly deserves credit for keeping his adventurous company alive during treacherous times."

Vivien Schweitzer, THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 16, 2009