Tag Archives: Michael Mofidian

“Esultate!” Kunde’s Otello impresses at Covent Garden

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: Otello Royal Opera, 9th December 2019 It’s good to have expectations confounded. For much of his career, American tenor Gregory Kunde specialised in bel canto repertoire, his light, flexible voice ideal for Rossini with easy top notes that also … Continue reading →

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Carmen minus charisma: a limp revival of Kosky’s production at Covent Garden

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Bizet: Carmen Royal Opera, 24th June 2019 Barrie Kosky’s Carmen is back, so grab the pedometer. “Who needs cardio classes?” tweeted the Royal Opera Chorus wryly after Saturday’s matinee. Kosky strips almost all sense of Spain from the setting and … Continue reading →

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“Ecco un artista!”: melodrama aplenty in ROH Tosca revival

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Puccini: Tosca Royal Opera, 27th May 2019 “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” Like Norma Desmond, Tosca is no shrinking violet. Forget small screen acting. It’s an opera that requires big performances, singers able to depict larger-than-life … Continue reading →

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Outrageous fortune: stellar opening night for Forza del destino at Covent Garden

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: La forza del destino Royal Opera House, 21st March 2019 Nights at the opera like this come along once in a blue moon. A Verdi score packed with great music, populated by big names, big voices and big personalities. … Continue reading →

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Dove’s Flight takes off superbly to launch Royal Academy’s new theatre

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Dove: Flight ***** Royal Academy of Music, 12th March 2018 Departure lounge delays, squabbling couples, cancelled flights. We’ve all been there and shared the frustrations, which is what makes Jonathan Dove’s Flight such a great opera. We identify with his characters in … Continue reading →

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