Category Archives: Opera

Kasper Holten’s fresh perspective on Eugene Onegin

Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin **** Royal Opera, 4th February 2013 The Royal Opera House is devoted solely to Tchaikovsky at present, with thirteen consecutive performances of Onegin playing on the Covent Garden stage. In a neat flourish of double programming, Tchaikovsky’s … Continue reading

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It’s curtains for Violetta: Corinne Winters triumphs in Konwitschny’s stripped-down Traviata

Verdi: La traviata ***** English National Opera, 2nd February 2013 Red curtains peel apart tentatively to reveal a chair… and another set of red curtains. And that, in essence (save for a stack of books) is it for the set … Continue reading

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Finely honed performances in Grange Park Opera’s Madama Butterfly

Puccini: Madama Butterfly **** Grange Park Opera, 31st May 2012 Festival Season is upon us once again. Situated in picturesque Hampshire landscape, Grange Park Opera is perhaps the most idyllic of them all. The Doric portico at the Greek temple … Continue reading

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Pulling the strings: ENO’s widescreen Butterfly

Puccini: Madam Butterfly *** English National Opera, 8th May 2012 Madam Butterfly is one of two operas virtually guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes of this traditionally stony-hearted critic (The Cunning Little Vixen is the other, should you be interested, so … Continue reading

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Queen of the Night thrown to the lions in Rome

Mozart: Die Zauberflöte *** Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, 27th March 2012 Here was Rome at its gladiatorial worst. In Britain – or should that be just London – the only booing you’re likely to hear will be aimed at a … Continue reading

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