Spain Richard Strauss, Arabella: Soloists, Teatro Real Chorus and Orchestra / David Afkham (conductor). Teatro Real, Madrid, 28.1.2023. (JMI)
A satisfying though not outstanding Arabella in Madrid
International Opera
All opera reviews from sources other that the UK
Supercharged singing from Sir Antonio Pappano’s outstanding Elektra cast in Rome
United Kingdom R. Strauss, Elektra: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Academy of Santa Cecilia / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Livestreamed (directed by Marco Patino) from the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome, 18.10.2022 and available on Rai Play. (JPr)
J’Nai Bridges and Yonghoon Lee in a thrilling concert performance of Samson and Delilah in Seattle
United States Saint-Saëns, Samson and Delilah (concert version): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Seattle Opera / Ludovic Morlot (conductor). McCaw Hall, Seattle, 20.1.2023. (ZC)
William Christie leads Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas in a memorable new Madrid production
Spain Purcell, Dido and Aeneas: Soloists, Les Arts Florissants / William Christie (conductor). Teatros del Canal, Madrid, 21.1.2023. (JMI)
Edward Gardner and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra make a first Parsifal a memorable one
Norway Wagner, Parsifal (staged concert): Soloists, Bergen Philharmonic Choir, Edvard Grieg Kor, Edvard Grieg Jentekor, Edvard Grieg Guttekor, Collegium Musicums Choir (chorus master: Håkon Matti Skrede) and Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner (conductor). Livestreamed (directed by Marius Marthinussen Søreide) on Bergenphilive and OperaVision (and available until 21.5.2023) from the Grieg Hall, Bergen, 21.1.2023. (JPr)
Sondra Radvanovsky triumphs as Tosca in a controversial Barcelona production
Spain Puccini, Tosca: Chorus and Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu / Henrik Nánási and Giacomo Sagripanti (conductors). Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, 18, 19 and 20.1.2023. (JMI)
Netrebko leads a fine cast and an exceptional orchestra breathing life into a venerable Vienna La bohème
Austria Puccini, La bohème: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Vienna State Opera / Bertrand de Billy (conductor). Recorded (directed by Jakob Pitzer) at Vienna State Opera on 11.9.2022 and streamed on 14.2.2023. (JPr)
Emma O’Halloran’s Mary Motorhead and Trade premiere at Prototype
United States Prototype 2023 [2] – Emma O’Halloran, Trade and Mary Motorhead: Kyle Bielfield, Marc Kudisch, Naomi Louisa O’Connell (performers), Novus NY / Elaine Kelly (music direction). Abrons Arts Center, New York, 13.1.2023. (RP)
