Tag Archives: Joyce DiDonato

Political power games in Kosky’s Agrippina at Covent Garden

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Handel: Agrippina Royal Opera, 23rd September 2019 We were promised Agrippina as House of Cards, full of intrigue and political machinations, yet Barrie Kosky plays his joker frequently in a staging which borders on farce. On an austere set, he … Continue reading →

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Lightning strikes again in Strasbourg: Michael Spyres thrills in La Damnation de Faust

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust Salle Érasme, Strasbourg, 25th April 2019 Lightning, they say, never strikes in the same place twice. If that’s the case, then somebody please explain the scorch marks streaked across Strasbourg’s Palais de la Musique et … Continue reading →

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Byron’s Harold the unlikely star in Gardiner’s Berlioz bonanza

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Prom 71: ORR/ Gardiner ***** Royal Albert Hall, 5th September 2018 “Q: Why can you often find viola players standing outside your front door? A: They can’t find the right key and never know when to come in!” Viola players … Continue reading →

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DiDonato leads the vocal pyrotechnics in a dazzling Semiramide at the Royal Opera

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Mark Pullinger

Rossini: Semiramide **** Royal Opera, 19th November 2017 Semiramide is a rare visitor to London. Opera Rara offered a splendid Prom in the Hanging Gardens of South Kensington last year, while the only time Rossini’s opera seria was presented in Covent Garden since … Continue reading →

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“Gloire à DiDonato”: Les Troyens takes Strasbourg by storm

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Mark Pullinger

Berlioz: Les Troyens ***** Salle Erasmé, Strasbourg, 17th April 2017 Performances of Berlioz’s epic opera in two parts, Les Troyens, are rare events. Substantially shorter than Wagner’s Ring, it is nonetheless staged far less frequently. Although there was no production … Continue reading →

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