United Kingdom Jack and the Beanstalk: Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, 17.12.2024. (JPr)
Much fun is had by all as Rylan brings megawatt star power to Southend’s Jack and the Beanstalk
Jim Pritchard
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus are an indispensable part of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations
United Kingdom Christmas music from Schütz, Praetorius, MacMillan and other composers: Kana Kawashima (violin), Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus / Gregory Batsleer (conductor). Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, 18.12.2024. (SRT)
Pfitzner’s Palestrina is conducted by Thielemann, the opera’s tireless advocate, and triumphs in Vienna
Austria Hans Pfitzner’s Palestrina: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Vienna State Opera / Christian Thielemann (conductor). Livestreamed (directed by Ella Gallieni) from the Vienna State Opera, 12.12.2024. (JPr)
A star is born: Carolina López Moreno brings Puccini’s Magda vividly to life in LSO’s La rondine
United Kingdom Puccini, La rondine (concert performance): Soloists, London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 12.12.2024. (JPr)
Ashton’s Cinderella for The Royal Ballet focusses on steps but ignores the story
United Kingdom Prokofiev, Cinderella: Dancers of The Royal Ballet, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Jonathan Lo (conductor). Broadcast live from the Royal Ballet & Opera, Covent Garden, London, to Cineworld Basildon, Essex, 10.12.2024. (JPr)
Muscato’s compelling new La Scala La forza del destino is dominated by Netrebko’s Leonora and Tézier’s Carlo
Italy Verdi, La forza del destino: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala, Milan / Riccardo Chailly (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Arnalda Canali) on medici.tv from Teatro alla Scala, Milan, 7.12.2024. (JPr)
Claus Guth’s Vienna Turandot lacks epic grandeur but is redeemed by some fine singing
Austria Puccini, Turandot: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Vienna State Opera / Marco Armiliato (conductor). Filmed at the Vienna State Opera (directed by Tiziano Mancini) on 16.12.2023 and currently available on medici.tv. (JPr)
Provocative staging of Jenůfa at the Festival Janáček Brno highlights women’s plight in society
Czech Republic Festival Janáček Brno 2024 [1] – Jenůfa (1904 original version ed. Mark Audus): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Moravian Theatre Olomouc / Anna Novotná Pešková (conductor). Mahen Theatre, Brno, 22.11.2024. (GT)
