Switzerland Verdi, Un ballo in maschera: Philharmonia Zurich / Gianandrea Noseda (conductor). Zurich Opera, 8.12.2024. (MF)
Katharina Konradi’s Oscar steals the show in Zurich’s Un ballo in maschera
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
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)
A strong cast for the revival of The Rake’s Progress in Paris
France Stravinsky, The Rake’s Progress: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Opéra national de Paris / Susanna Mälkki (conductor). Palais Garnier, Paris, 30.11.2024. (MB)
The perfect show for Christmas: ENO’s The Pirates of Penzance at the London Coliseum
United Kingdom Gilbert & Sullivan, The Pirates of Penzance: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of English National Opera / Natalie Murray Beale (conductor). London Coliseum, 2.12.2024. (JR)
A radiant Gabriella Reyes sings her first Mimì in the Met’s La bohème
United States Puccini, La bohème: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Metropolitan Opera / Kensho Watanabe (conductor). Metropolitan Opera, New York, 30.11.2024. (RP)
