Distinguished conductor Kenneth Montgomery, always a welcome presence on SFO's podium, brought out every nuance in Mozart's inventive score. Orchestra and singers were perfectly balanced in his expert hands. Familiar arias and melodic lines sounded fresh, never hackneyed.

Kenneth Montgomery's is a welcome baton (even though he conducts with his hands) in any Mozart production, and he leads the excellent SFO orchestra in clean and ever-animated playing throughout.

Though the production is powdered-wig traditional, Mr. Kent has coaxed believably spontaneous portrayals from his cast. He clearly worked well with the astute conductor Kenneth Montgomery, whose tempos allow the singers dramatic flexibility, particularly during recitatives.

KM's natural, surely paced reading does its share to ensure the evening's success.