United Kingdom Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera / Kerem Hasan (conductor). The Grand Theatre, Swansea, 27.2.2025. (LJ)
The WNO return to Swansea’s Grand Theatre with their uplifting Figaro
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
La Monnaie’s Götterdämmerung has high musical values but is performed in an art installation
Belgium Wagner, Götterdämmerung: La Monnaie Chorus and Symphony Orchestra / Alain Altinoglu (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Anaїs Spiro) from La Monnaie, Brussels, 23.2.2025 and available on YouTube or OperaVision until 23.8.2025. (JPr)
A superb performance of L’Orfeo in Valencia led by Leonardo Garcia Alarcón
Spain Monteverdi, L’Orfeo (concert version): Soloists, Choeur de Chambre de Namur, Capella Mediterranea / Leonardo García Alarcón (conductor). Palau de les Arts, Valencia, 23.2.2025. (JMI)
An intriguing double bill of operas by Falla and Torres in Madrid
Spain Falla, La vida breve & Torres, Tejas verdes: Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra of Teatro Real / Jordi Francés (conductor). Teatro Real, Madrid, 22.2.2025. (JMI)
Regents Opera’s Götterdämmerung: the final achievement in their compelling Ring cycle
United Kingdom Wagner, Götterdämmerung: Soloists, Members of London Gay Men’s Chorus, Members of Regents Opera Upper Voices Chorus, Regents Opera Ensemble / Ben Woodward (conductor). York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, 16.2.2025. (MB)
Scottish Opera’s The Makropulos Affair is a triumph with Orla Boylan at the heart of a terrific performance
United Kingdom Janáček, The Makropulos Affair: Soloists, The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and The Chorus of The Makropulos Affair / Martyn Brabbins (conductor). Theatre Royal Glasgow, 19.2.2025. (GT)
ENO’s Mary, Queen of Scots is an artistic success
United Kingdom Musgrave, Mary, Queen of Scots: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the English National Opera / Joana Carneiro (conductor). London Coliseum, 15.2.2025. (MB)
Heartbeat Opera has a hit with its small-scale but potent Salome
United States Richard Strauss, Salome: Soloists, Band / Jacob Ashworth (conductor). Heartbeat Opera, Irondale Center, Brooklyn, 14.2.2025. (RP)
