Viva La Diva! Anna Netrebko sang Tosca in Naples and brought some light to our current darkness

ItalyItaly Puccini, Tosca (concert version): Soloists, Chorus (chorus director: Gea Garatti Ansini), Children Chorus (chorus director: Stefania Rinaldi), and Orchestra of Teatro di San Carlo / Juraj Valčuha (conductor). July 2020 performance in the Piazza del Plebiscito, live streamed and reviewed on 30.7.2020. (JPr)

Ludovic Tézier (Scarpia) & Anna Netrebko (Tosca) © Mario Wurzburger

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IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC – NEWS

Seen and Heard International hopes for the happiest of outcomes for all those who are ill due to the current coronavirus pandemic. We share the optimism of those experts who hope that all those in otherwise good health will be able to resist its worst effects.

With the worldwide restrictions on travel and gatherings of significant numbers the world of classical music and many other entertainment events are currently subjected to a wave of changes, postponements, or cancellations, and it is unlikely normal recreational life will be resumed in the foreseeable future.

Seen and Heard International will continue to post reviews of concerts, operas, dance, theatre, and broadcasts for a long as we can, but bear with us if our content is not refreshed as often as readers have become used to over recent years.

We are not a listings site so if you are checking for news of whether performances have been postponed, cancelled, or might be restarting, please go direct to the websites of the venues concerned.

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St John’s Smith Square announces ‘ARTIST LAB’

SJSS’s ‘ARTIST LAB’ PROJECT

#Artistlab

The covid-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges around the world. Clearly, our first priority is everyone’s health and well-being, but an important part of this is people’s enjoyment of music and the arts. Concert halls have closed their doors and musicians are unable to work. This creates enormous pressures and challenges as people’s livelihoods are challenged and venues face an uncertain future.

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From La Jolla, California, Weilerstein and Barnatan dance eloquently with Beethoven

United StatesUnited States Beethoven: Alisa Weilerstein (cello), Inon Barnatan (piano), presented virtually by Aspen Music Festival, streaming from Baker-Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla, California, 26.7.2020. (HS)

Alisa Weilerstein & Inon Barnatan playing for the Aspen Music Festival

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High-powered Shostakovich anchors Seattle Chamber Music Society Virtual Summer Festival performance

United StatesUnited States Various composers: Soloists, Seattle Chamber Music Society, streaming from The Center for Chamber Music, Seattle, 24.7.2020. (ZC)

Simone Porter (violin), Andrew Armstrong (piano) & Edward Aaron (cello) (c) SCMS

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Lise Davidsen’s compellingly expressive singing doesn’t entirely rescue Tobias Kratzer’s Fidelio

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Beethoven, Fidelio: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Performance of 9.3.2020 (directed for the screen by Rhodri Huw), televised on BBC Four, and reviewed on 26.7.2020. (JPr)

Amanda Forsythe (Marzelline), Georg Zeppenfeld (Rocco) & Lise Davidsen (Leonore)
(c) Bill Cooper

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