Tag Archives: Jeremy White

Broken wings: Ermonela Jaho a devastating Madama Butterfly at Covent Garden

Puccini: Madama Butterfly **** The Royal Opera, 27th March 2017 Ermonela Jaho sure likes to put herself (and us) through the emotional wringer on Covent Garden’s stage. Her characters usually meet with a sticky end: Violetta and Mimì both succumb … Continue reading

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Downhill from Venusberg: a bland Tannhäuser revived at Covent Garden

Wagner: Tannhäuser *** The Royal Opera, 26th April 2016 At the heart of Tannhäuser is the hero’s struggle between spirituality and sensuality. Tim Albery’s 2010 production, receiving its first revival at Covent Garden, establishes this conflict within a stylish opening … Continue reading

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The One with Figaro’s Wedding: a deftly directed revival at Covent Garden

Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro **** Royal Opera House, 15th September 2015 There are few operas more perfect than Le nozze di Figaro. David McVicar’s production, returning for a fifth time at the Royal Opera, updates the action to the … 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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HMS Indomitable docks at Glyndebourne once more

Britten: Billy Budd ***** Glyndebourne, 17th August 2013 After Friday evening’s Prom performance of The Midsummer Marriage, I followed hot on the heels of conductor Andrew Davis to the Sussex Downs, where the former Glyndebourne Music Director is at the … Continue reading

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