Category Archives: Opera

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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That sinking feeling: ENO’s Pirates of Penzance scuppered at the Coliseum

Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance ** English National Opera, 9th May 2015 In many ways, it seemed a natural choice. Mike Leigh has long been a champion of Gilbert and Sullivan, his love for the Savoy Operas epitomised in his … Continue reading

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The Czech Fidelio: Bělohlávek leads a fine account of Smetana’s Dalibor

Smetana: Dalibor **** Jiří Bělohlávek/BBC Symphony Orchestra, Barbican, 2nd May 2015 “What Czech does not like music?” declares Beneš, the jailor in Smetana’s opera Dalibor. Certainly not Jiří Bělohlávek, who is as superb an advocate for Czech music as any … Continue reading

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Boris crowned Tsar again in London: The Philharmonia’s Mighty Handful collection

Mussorgsky, Borodin, Cui, Rimsky-Korsakov: Philharmonia/Hrůša *** Royal Festival Hall, 30th April 2015 Boris is all the rage in London this season. Elected to supreme power, he is haunted by a dodgy past and eventually crumbles. No, not Boris Johnson (Bachtrack … Continue reading

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Clattering cherry blossom: solid revival of Madama Butterfly at Covent Garden

Puccini: Madama Butterfly *** Royal Opera, 20th March 2015 The portents for this Madama Butterfly were highly promising: an effective, if sparse production, with a devastating final scene; a reliable Italian conductor in the pit; and a fine soprano, who … Continue reading

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