United States G. Verdi, Simon Boccanegra: Soloists, LA Opera Orchestra & Chorus, James Conlon (conductor), Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, 15.2.2012 (RRR)
International Opera
All opera reviews from sources other that the UK
Fabio Biondi’s Most Un-Usual Norma
Spain Vincenzo Bellini, Norma: Europa Galante, Valencia’s Coral Catedralicia, Fabio Biondi (conductor), Auditorio El Baluarte, Pamplona, 19.2.2012 (JMI)
Modernist Mefistofele by Boito Outclasses Mozart’s Figaro in Budapest
Hungary Arrigo Boito: Mefistofele, Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Budapest Opera /János Kovács (conductor), Budapest Opera House, 2.2.2012 (SF)
Met’s Traditional Götterdämmerung Boasts a Strong Cast
United States Met Live in HD 2011/12, Wagner, Götterdämmerung: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, New York, conducted by Fabio Luisi. Produced by Robert Lepage, directed for TV by Gary Halvorson and broadcast to the Renoir Cinema, London, 11.2.2012. (JPr)
Creepy Bartok and Swinging Bernstein in Stockholm
Sweden Bartok, Bernstein: Soloists, orchestra of the Stockholm Royal Opera. Gregor Bühl (conductor). Stockholm Royal Opera. 4.2.2012 (Premiere) (GF)
Impresario & Diva: Rare Mozart and Haydn in Bilbao
Spain Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Der Schaupieldirektor & Franz Josef Haydn, La Canterina: Soloists, Bizkaia Symphony Orchestra, Pablo Mielgo (Conductor), Teatro Arriaga, Bilbao, 3.2.2012 (JMI)
A Body of Art: Munich’s Das Rheingold
Germany R. Wagner, Das Rheingold: Soloists, Kent Nagano (conductor), Bavarian State Orchestra, National Theater, Munich, 9.2.2012. (JFL)
Compelling Verismo Double Bill in Copenhagen
Denmark Mascagni, Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo, Pagliacci: Stefano Ranzani (conductor), Royal Danish Orchestra and Opera Chorus, The Royal Danish Boys’ Choir, and Gentofte and Jægersporg Church Girl’s Choir, Operaen, Copenhagen, 22.01.2012 (NS)