Michael Cookson

Well-chosen cast, but it is difficult to connect with Opera North’s Flying Dutchman ‘reinterpretation’

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Opera North 2025 – Wagner, The Flying Dutchman (Der fliegende Holländer): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North / Garry Walker (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, The Quays, Salford, 15.3.2025. (MC)

Layla Claire (Senta) with the ladies of the Chorus of Opera North © James Glossop

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At The Lowry, Opera North’s captivating Ruddigore exceeded already high expectations

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Opera North 2024 [2] – Gilbert & Sullivan, Ruddigore (or The Witch’s Curse): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North / Anthony Kraus (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, The Quays, Salford, 14.11.2024. (MC)

Dominic Sedgwick (Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd) and Steven Page (Sir Roderic Murgatroyd) © Richard H Smith

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Opera North’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is superb entertainment

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Opera North 2024 [1] – Britten, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Soloists, Children’s Chorus, Orchestra of Opera North / Garry Walker (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, The Quays, Salford, 13.11.2024. (MC)

Peter Kirk (Lysander), Siân Griffiths (Hermia), Camilla Harris (Helena), and James Newby (Demetrius) © Richard H Smith

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Uplifting and engaging performances from Beth Malcolm and Heather Cartwright at Paxton

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Music at Paxton – Summer Festival of Chamber Music 2024 [2] – A Modern Folk Music Programme: Beth Malcolm (singer, keyboard), Heather Cartwright (guitar). Marquee, Paxton House, Scottish Borders, 20.7.2024. (MC)

Heather Cartwright and Beth Malcolm © Paul Jennings

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Mullova and Beatson at Paxton is likely the most exceptional recital I have reported on in recent years

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Music at Paxton – Summer Festival of Chamber Music 2024 [1] – Beethoven, Schubert: Viktoria Mullova (violin), Alasdair Beatson (piano). Picture Gallery, Paxton House, Scottish Borders, 19.7.2024. (MC)

Viktoria Mullova (violin) and Alasdair Beatson (piano) © Aga Tomaszek

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