United Kingdom Massenet, Werther: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Irish National Opera / Philipp Pointner (conductor). An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, 2.5.2023. (RB)
Irish National Opera’s touring production of Werther impresses in Dundalk
Robert Beattie
The Met’s fine production of Champion conveys important social messages
United Kingdom Terence Blanchard, Champion: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, New York / Yannick Nézet-Séguin (conductor). Broadcast Live in HD (directed by Gary Halvorson) from New York’s Metropolitan Opera to Dundonald Omniplex Cinema, Belfast, 29.4.2023. (RB)
Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble’s challenging programme performed with conviction
United Kingdom Greg Caffrey, Birtwistle, Schoenberg: Malachy Frame (baritone), Sarah Richmond (mezzo-soprano), Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble (Aisling Agnew [flute], David McCann [cello], Daniel Browell [piano], Sarah Watts [clarinet], Joanne Quigley McParland [violin]) / Sinead Hayes (conductor), Steve Lee (stage designer). Sonic Lab, Queens University, Belfast, 28.3.2023. (RB)
An imaginative presentation of Les Nuits d’Été
United Kingdom Berlioz, Les nuits d’éte (Summer Nights): Sinead O’Kelly (mezzo-soprano), Bryan Evans (piano), Cameron Menzies (creatives). Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, 11.3.2023. (RB)
Songs by Mahler and Mussorgsky resonate in a gaol setting
United Kingdom Mahler, Mussorgsky: Margaret Bridge (mezzo-soprano), Brendan Collins (baritone), Tristan Russcher (piano), Cameron Menzies (creatives). Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, 8.3.2023. (RB)
‘The Lost Boy’ in the Salon Series was a highly enjoyable evening
United Kingdom The Lost Boy: Conor Quinn (vocalist), Darren Day (piano), John Gillen (drums), Thomas Alford (double bass), Cameron Menzies (director). The New Orpheus, Belfast, 23.2.2023. (RB)
‘Sea Wrack’ is a fine celebration of Irish art-song in Belfast
United Kingdom ‘Sea Wrack’: Cameron Menzies (Director), Sara O’Neill (Designer), Susie Gibbons (soprano), Jenny Bourke (mezzo-soprano), Michael Bell (tenor), Seamus Brady (baritone), Frasier Hickland (piano). St Joseph’s Sailortown, Belfast, 19.2.2023. (RB)
Barber proves a highly enjoyable first full production for Ulster Touring Opera
United Kingdom Rossini, The Barber of Seville: Soloists of Ulster Touring Opera / Gary Matthewman (musical director / piano), Gillian McCutcheon (clarinet). The MAC Theatre Belfast, 15.2.2023. (RB)
