United Kingdom William Shakespeare’s Macbeth: Filmed live (directed by Tim Van Someren) at London’s Donmar Warehouse in 2023 and released in cinemas across the UK, US, Australia and selected international territories from 5th February 2025. (JPr)
Jim Pritchard
Michieletto’s absinthe-fuelled Tales of Hoffmann for The Royal Opera gets a delightful musical performance
United Kingdom Offenbach, The Tales of Hoffmann (Les contes d’Hoffmann): Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Antonello Manacorda (conductor). Filmed (directed by Rhodri Huw) at the Royal Ballet and Opera in November 2024 and shown at the Everyman Cinema, Chelmsford, Essex, 15.1.2025. (JPr)
Long Live Puccini! La Scala overcomes adversity to perform 100 years to the day after he died
Italy La Scala per Puccini: Jonas Kaufmann, Luciano Ganci (tenors), Anna Netrebko, Mariangela Sicilia (soprano), James Vaughan (piano). Filmed (directed by Stefania Grimaldi) at La Scala, Milan, 29.11.2024 and available on ARTE Concert until 28.3.2025. (JPr)
McCrystal’s too merry Glyndebourne Merry Widow lacks the depth it deserves despite a fine ensemble
United Kingdom Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow: Soloists, The Glyndebourne Chorus, London Philharmonic Orchestra / John Wilson (conductor). Filmed (directed by Rhodri Huw) at the Glyndebourne Opera House and broadcast on BBC Four on 25.12.2024 and available on iPlayer. (JPr)
Sky Arts shows the constructive chaos behind English National Ballet’s work-in-progress new Nutcracker
United Kingdom Backstage with English National Ballet (Sky Arts, series directed by Zoë Dobson) & English National Ballet’s Nutcracker (directed for TV by Peter Jones): English National Ballet, English National Ballet Philharmonic / Maria Seletskaja (conductor). Filmed at the London Coliseum and first broadcast on Sky Arts on 23.12.2024. (JPr)
There will never be another! Relive Rudolf Nureyev’s virtuosic talent in his legendary Don Quixote film
Australia The Australian Ballet in Rudolf Nureyev’s Film of Don Quixote: The Australian Ballet, The State Orchestra of Victoria (formerly The Elizabethan Trust Melbourne Orchestra) / John Lanchbery (conductor). Filmed in 1973, restored and remastered in 1999, and currently available on medici.tv. (JPr)
Much fun is had by all as Rylan brings megawatt star power to Southend’s Jack and the Beanstalk
United Kingdom Jack and the Beanstalk: Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, 17.12.2024. (JPr)
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)
