United Kingdom Janáček, The Cunning Little Vixen: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the RNCM / Martin Pickard (conductor). Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, 26.3.2026. (MC)
Janáček’s Vixen at the RNCM provided entertainment in spades
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
Dear Marc Minkowski: ‘Thank you for Orlando. Please come back to Barcelona soon!’
Spain Handel, Orlando (concert version): Soloists, Musiciens du Louvre / Marc Minkowski (conductor). Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, 24.3.2026. (JMI)
A musically disappointing Liceu Manon Lescaut salvaged only by a magnificent Asmik Grigorian
Spain Puccini, Manon Lescaut: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Gran Teatre del Liceu / Josep Pons (conductor). Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, 23.3.2026. (JMI)
In Dublin, an excellent cast brings to life a provocative and insightful production of Rusalka
Ireland Dvořák, Rusalka: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Irish National Opera / Fergus Sheil (conductor). Board Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin, 22.3.2026. (RB)
Cogent narrative and excellent singing for Karlsruhe Lohengrin
Germany Wagner, Lohengrin: Soloists, Chorus of Badisches Staatstheater, Badische Staatskapelle / Georg Fritzsch (conductor). Badisches Staatstheater. Karlsruhe, 22.3.2026. (DM-D)
Theater Regensburg scores high with a dystopian Alcina
Germany Händel, Alcina: Soloists, Philharmonisches Orchester Regensburg / Andreas Kowalewitz (conductor). Theater Regensburg, 21.3.2026. (AB)
Royal Academy of Music’s enjoyable, succinct production of Handel’s Rinaldo, excellently performed
United Kingdom Handel, Rinaldo: Soloists, Royal Academy Sinfonia / David Bates (conductor). Susie Sainsbury Theatre, Royal Academy of Music, London, 19.3.2026. (MB)
Rigoletto minus the italianità in Munich
Germany Verdi, Rigoletto: Soloists, Bavarian State Orchestra, Bavarian State Opera Chorus / Maurizio Benini (conductor). Nationaltheater, Munich, 19.3.2026. (AL-L)
