Monthly Archives: May 2015

An atmosphere filled with dust and testosterone: Bieito’s Carmen returns to ENO

Bizet: Carmen *** English National Opera, 20th May 2015 Calixto Bieito’s Carmen is far removed from sun-drenched, picture postcard Seville. A bull and flamenco dresses make appearances, but these are nothing but illusions: the giant Osborne sherry company bull that looms … Continue reading

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Marina Rebeka: a Violetta in robust health in Covent Garden’s Traviata

Verdi: La traviata *** Royal Opera, 18th May 2015 Twenty-one years, twelve revivals and umpteen casts later, Richard Eyre’s Royal Opera production of La traviata still has much to recommend it. Bob Crowley’s designs are handsome – the salon in … Continue reading

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Gut strings and female basses: a Venetian expedition to the Pietà for the OAE

Vivaldi: The OAE/Debretzeni  St Johns Smith Square, 17th May 2015 Although much-travelled around Europe, Vivaldi is inextricably linked with Venice and the female music ensemble of the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage and music school in the city. “Women in … Continue reading

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Water Reflections: an immersive recital from Hélène Grimaud

Hélène Grimaud **** Barbican Hall, 16th May 2015 Left to our own devices, audience members at the Barbican could have suggested any number of works to fit into Hélène Grimaud’s aquatic-themed recital. In an absorbing programme note, the French pianist … Continue reading

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In the eye of the Baroque storm: Blandine Staskiewicz

Tempesta: Blandine Staskiewicz (Glossa) Les Ambassadeurs/ Alexis Kossenko I first heard Blandine Staskiewicz about a decade ago, as a breathy – and sometimes breathless – Medoro on Jean-Christophe’s star-studded recording of Orlando furioso. “Rompo i ceppi” was one of the … Continue reading

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