Pfitzner’s Palestrina is conducted by Thielemann, the opera’s tireless advocate, and triumphs in Vienna

AustriaAustria 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)

Michael Laurenz (Bernardo Novagerio) and Wolfgang Koch (Cardinal Borromeo) © Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn

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This glorious Tosca in Ostrava is blessed by terrific singing from Šimková, Berger and Čapkovič

Czech RepublicCzech Republic Puccini, Tosca: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre / Marek Šedivý (conductor). Antonín Dvořák Theatre, Ostrava, 7.12.2024. (GT)

Tosca Act II – Daniel Čapkovič (Scarpia) and Petra Alvarez Šimková (Tosca) © Martin Popelář

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A star is born: Carolina López Moreno brings Puccini’s Magda vividly to life in LSO’s La rondine

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Puccini, La rondine (concert performance): Soloists, London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 12.12.2024. (JPr)

Carolina López Moreno sings Magda with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano © Mark Allan

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ENB bring a colourful, modern twist to Nutcracker, though it is a rather flat experience

United KingdomUnited Kingdom English National Ballet’s Nutcracker: English National Ballet, English National Ballet Philharmonic / Maria Seletskaja (conductor). London Coliseum, 12.12.2024. (JO’D)

Rhys Antoni Yeomans as the Nutcracker Doll in ENB’s Nutcracker © Johan Persson

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The Secret of the Factory is a heartwarming Gothenburg Christmas tale

SwedenSweden Anders Wängdahl’s The Secret of the Factory (Fabrikens hemlighet): Gothenburg Opera Soloists and Youth Choir / Sergej Bolkhovets (conductor). Gothenburg Opera main stage, 12.12.2024. (NS)

Dreamcatcher Selene (centre, Mia Karlsson, centre) and Gothenburg Opera Youth Chorus © Lennart Sjöberg

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