Verdi: Otello ****
The Royal Opera, 21st June 2017
After all the hype, he sang. Speculation about whether Jonas Kaufmann would even turn up for rehearsals to sing his first Otello have kept both press and social media frenzied for months. Even the dismissal of the Iago, Ludovic Tézier, from the production only momentarily deflected attention. The Royal Opera’s Antonio Pappano tirelessly answered questions, reassuring everyone that yes, Kaufmann was here. The electrifying buzz crackling about the sweltering theatre on opening night could partly be explained as self-congratulatory relief – given the startling top price ticket tag of £270 – that Kaufmann Hadn’t Cancelled.
Jonas Kaufmann (Otello)
© ROH | Catherine Ashmore
Read the full review on Bachtrack.