MUSIC'S NEW PHENOM ON STAGE, VIDEO, AND IN STEREO

Cecilia Bartoli has made seven major operatic recordings to date (her second account of Cherubino in Mozart's ``Le Nozze di Figaro,'' with Claudio Abbado conducting, awaits release, as does her Idamante in Mozart's ``Idomeneo'' with Placido Domingo in the title role, and James Levine conducting the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus). So far, Rossini's ``La Cenerentola'' is a particular delight (London Records), with a strong cast of performers around her and deft support from conductor Riccardo Chailly. Bartoli gives a full display of her art - from high-velocity bravura to hushed, nuanced intimacy and everything in between. Her solo albums are all delights. The most recent is a partnership with pianist Andras Schiff, ``The Impatient Lover'' (London Records).

On video, BMG Classics has released a 1988 performance of Rossini's ``Il Barbiere di Siviglia'' with Gino Quilico in the title role and Bartoli as Rosina (available on VHS and laser disc). This was one of her first professional engagements, and while her performance has come a long way in matters of personalization, one can still see her poise and theatrical flair. She and Quilico make this the best ``Barbiere'' available on home video.

Upcoming dates include a benefit sponsored by Prince Charles of England at St. George Chapel in Windsor on May 26. She spends the summer in Salzburg, Austria, for ``Don Giovanni,'' then opens the Carnegie Hall season Sept. 29.