Tag Archives: Royal Opera

Ermonela Jaho makes a haunting return to Covent Garden’s Traviata

Posted on January 15, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: La traviata **** Royal Opera, 14th January 2019 One of the great jump-ins at Covent Garden happened almost eleven years ago to the day. Imagine the general disappointment, the wailing and gnashing of teeth when an indisposed Anna Netrebko … Continue reading →

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Swans, severed heads and a deerstalker: 2018 in review

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

“Wow! That’s some year you’ve had!” was a message written in one of this year’s Christmas cards. “Aiming to top it in 2019?” I’m not sure I have the energy! My outstanding operatic experience of the year was easily Salome at … Continue reading →

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Political intrigues at the Royal Opera as Simon Boccanegra returns

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra **** Royal Opera, 15th November 2018 The air in London is rife with conspiracy, recrimination and infighting. But away from Westminster, political machinations and a baying mob are also at the heart of Simon Boccanegra, returning to the … Continue reading →

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Swan cruise: Nelsons navigates a musically impressive Lohengrin at Covent Garden

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Wagner: Lohengrin *** Royal Opera, 7th June 2018 You wait ages for a swan, then a flock descends. Swiftly following the debut of Liam Scarlett’s Swan Lake, here glides in David Alden’s new staging of Wagner’s Lohengrin, the first at Covent Garden … Continue reading →

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A rebellious Carmen: Kosky’s vaudeville flawed but entertaining

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

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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