Tag Archives: David Butt Philip

Binge-listening: a bumper Beethoven Weekender at the Barbican

Beethoven Weekender Barbican, 1st & 2nd February 2020 Ludwig overload? There are going to be many Beethoven cycles performed during this 250th anniversary year but probably none as concentrated as this: a binge-listen to the nine symphonies in just thirty … Continue reading

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“Or not to be”: dislocated Shakespeare as Brett Dean’s Hamlet is revived for Glyndebourne’s tour

Brett Dean: Hamlet *** Glyndebourne, 21st October 2017 Brett Dean’s Hamlet was deemed a palpable hit at Glyndebourne this season – an event I contrived to miss, making me double my resolve to catch it this autumn as it joins the tour. … Continue reading

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A feast of Rossini as Albina Shagimuratova dazzles in Semiramide

Rossini: Semiramide **** Opera Rara, Royal Albert Hall, 4th September 2016 Complete performances of Semiramide are as rare as hen’s teeth. Even at La Fenice – where the opera was given 28 times following its 1823 première, sometimes four nights in … Continue reading

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Flawed casting in Minghella’s widescreen Butterfly at ENO

Puccini: Madama Butterfly *** English National Opera, 16th May 2016 Anthony Minghella’s 2005 staging of Madam Butterfly remains a hit with ENO’s audience. A combination of Japanese lacquer and Hollywood gloss make for a stylish production, opulently costumed by Han … Continue reading

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