Switzerland Wagner, Tristan and Isolde: Soloists, Chorus of Zurich Opera, Philharmonia Zurich / Gianandrea Noseda (conductor). Zurich Opera, Zurich. 26.6.2022 (JR)
Strongly sung Tristan and Isolde at Zurich Opera
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
The striking London premiere of Tom Coult’s first opera, Violet
United Kingdom Tom Coult – Violet: Soloists, Sound Intermedia (sound design), London Sinfonietta / Andrew Gourlay (conductor). Hackney Empire, London, 23.6.2022. (MB)
A satisfying Magic Flute at the Liceu, though it failed to meet prior expectations
Spain Mozart, Die Zauberflöte: Cor Infantil Amics de la Unio (chorus director: Josep Vila Jover), Chorus and Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu / Gustavo Dudamel (conductor). Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, 20 & 21.6.2022. (JMI)
Tom Morris’s life-affirming Vienna L’Orfeo is as immersive an experience as is possible in an opera house
Austria Monteverdi, L’Orfeo: Soloists, Dancers, Concentus Musicus Wien / Pablo Heras-Casado (conductor). Livestreamed (directed by Ella Gallieni) from the Vienna State Opera, 18.6.2022. (JPr)
Pretty Yende is compelling both as actor and singer in Vienna’s I puritani
Austria Bellini, I puritani: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Vienna State Opera / Francesco Lanzillotta (conductor). Livestreamed (directed by Dominik Kepczynski) from Vienna State Opera, 2.6.2022. (JPr)
The Royal Opera revives a ‘more authentic’ Madama Butterfly with mixed results
United Kingdom Puccini, Madama Butterfly: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus (chorus director: William Spaulding), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Dan Ettinger (conductor). Royal Opera House, London, 14.6.2022. (MB)
New English Ballet Theatre’s bright-eyed dancers demonstrate their nascent talents
United Kingdom Next Generation Festival: NEBT – Into the Spotlight: Dancers of New English Ballet Theatre. Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House, London, 17.6.2022. (JO’D)
Strong cast, striking visuals and beautiful finish lift San Francisco Opera’s Dream of the Red Chamber revival
United States Bright Sheng, Dream of the Red Chamber: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of San Francisco Opera / Darrell Ang (conductor). War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, 14.6.2022. (HS)