Tag Archives: Otto Pichler

A long road to nowhere for Igor at the Bastille

Borodin: Prince Igor Opéra national de Paris, Bastille, 1st December 2019 Gone are the days when Borodin’s Prince Igor was presented as dry historical pageant, dusty stagings of static tableaux. Directors now prefer to tap into the psychology of the … Continue reading

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

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

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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A rebellious Carmen: Kosky’s vaudeville flawed but entertaining

Carmen Royal Opera House, 6th & 8th March 2018 If Carmen contends that love is a rebellious bird, then Barrie Kosky is a rebellious director. He can take rarities such as Saul or The Nose and give it the full … Continue reading

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