Monthly Archives: December 2015

Let it snow! Christmas arrives in Covent Garden with The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker **** The Royal Ballet, 8th December 2015 Midnight chimes. A sinister bass clarinet throbs, a harp glints and the strings begin their ascent. Gary Avis’ debonair Drosselmeyer flings glitter to the heavens and the Christmas tree magically … Continue reading

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Bruckner is so bracing: a tiring journey with the LSO

Bruckner, Mozart: LSO/Harding *** Barbican Hall, 6th December 2015 I have no head for heights. Viewing towers and castle ledges – if you can persuade me up there in the first place – are treated with extreme caution. I am, … Continue reading

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Passion Plays: Michieletto’s interwoven Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci

Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana/ Leoncavallo: Pagliacci **** The Royal Opera, 3rd December 2015 Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci have been locked together in a fatal embrace since 1893 when they were first paired as a double bill. Dalliances with other partners followed … Continue reading

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