Czech Republic Puccini, Tosca: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre / Marek Šedivý (conductor). Antonín Dvořák Theatre, Ostrava, 7.12.2024. (GT)
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
A star is born: Carolina López Moreno brings Puccini’s Magda vividly to life in LSO’s La rondine
United Kingdom Puccini, La rondine (concert performance): Soloists, London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 12.12.2024. (JPr)
ENB bring a colourful, modern twist to Nutcracker, though it is a rather flat experience
United Kingdom English National Ballet’s Nutcracker: English National Ballet, English National Ballet Philharmonic / Maria Seletskaja (conductor). London Coliseum, 12.12.2024. (JO’D)
Katharina Konradi’s Oscar steals the show in Zurich’s Un ballo in maschera
Switzerland Verdi, Un ballo in maschera: Philharmonia Zurich / Gianandrea Noseda (conductor). Zurich Opera, 8.12.2024. (MF)
The Brandenburgers in Bohemia bring the Smetana anniversary year in Ostrava to a triumphant finale
Czech Republic Smetana, The Brandenburgers in Bohemia: Soloists, Chorus, Ballet and Orchestra of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre / Jakub Klecker (conductor). Antonín Dvořák Theatre, Ostrava, 5.12.2024. (GT)
Ashton’s Cinderella for The Royal Ballet focusses on steps but ignores the story
United Kingdom Prokofiev, Cinderella: Dancers of The Royal Ballet, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Jonathan Lo (conductor). Broadcast live from the Royal Ballet & Opera, Covent Garden, London, to Cineworld Basildon, Essex, 10.12.2024. (JPr)
RNCM excelled in Chabrier’s L’Étoile: the performance was admirable and full of charm and wonder
United Kingdom Chabrier, L’Étoile (The Star): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the RNCM / Martin Pickard (conductor). RNCM, Manchester, 8.12.2024. (MC)
Muscato’s compelling new La Scala La forza del destino is dominated by Netrebko’s Leonora and Tézier’s Carlo
Italy Verdi, La forza del destino: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala, Milan / Riccardo Chailly (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Arnalda Canali) on medici.tv from Teatro alla Scala, Milan, 7.12.2024. (JPr)