Ireland Bellini, Norma: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Irish National Opera / Maurizio Benini (conductor). Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, 24.5.2026. (RB)
Two splendid sopranos overcome an unconvincing post-apocalyptic setting for Norma
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
Frida Kahlo returns to life in glorious color at the Metropolitan Opera
United States Gabriela Lena Frank, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego: Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra / Steven Osgood (conductor). Metropolitan Opera, New York, 22.5.2026. (RP)
This Dresden revival of Nikolaus Lehnhoff’s Rigoletto captivated the audience hook, line and sinker.
Germany Verdi, Rigoletto: Soloists, Saxon State Opera Chorus, Staatskapelle Dresden / Francesco Angelico (conductor). Semperoper Dresden, 24.5.2026. (MC)
Opera Montana previews A River Runs Through It at National Sawdust
United States Zach Redler, A River Runs Through It: Soloists, Neill Campbell (piano) / Michael Sakir (conductor). Opera Montana, National Sawdust, Brooklyn, 20.5.2026. (RP)
Anuj Bhutani gets the nod from BMP: NextGen’s program for his bio-opera Manu
United States Anuj Bhutani, Harriet Steinke – BMP: NextGen3: Soloists, Instrumentalists. Beth Morrison Projects, National Sawdust, Brooklyn, 16.5.2026. (RP)
Superb cast and Dudamel’s vigorous conducting make three-evening Die Walküre a winner in Los Angeles
United States Wagner, Die Walküre: Soloists, Los Angeles Philharmonic / Gustavo Dudamel / (conductor). Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, 19-21.5.2026. (HS)
Frauenliebe und -Sterben: three masterpieces – two centuries – one narrative
Germany R. Schumann, Bartók, Zemlinsky: Soloists, Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra / Karina Canellakis (conductor). Hamburg State Opera, 20.5.2026. (DM-D)
Experiments in Opera’s collaborative incubation unit gives birth to Constance: A Confession
United States Various, Constance: A Confession: Soloists, Hypercube Ensemble / Dmitriy Glivinskiy (conductor). Experiments in Opera, HERE, New York, 16.5.2026. (RP)
