Austria Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos. Soloists, Christian Thielemann (conductor), Orchestra of the Wiener Staatsoper. Wiener Staatsoper, Vienna. 21.10.2014 (SS)
In Staatsoper Ariadne, Frothy Staging and Uneven Thielemann
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
Kevin Puts’ Silent Night: Inspired and User-Friendly
Kevin Puts: Silent Night, Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Michael Christie (conductor), Wexford Opera House, Ireland, 27.10.2014 (JMI)
Fresh and Invigorating Carmen Despite Technical Hitches
United States Bizet, Carmen: The Metropolitan Opera, Pablo Heras-Casado (conductor), Transmitted live to Duke of York Cinema, Brighton, 01.11.2014. (RB)
A Figaro That Could Not Be More Perfect
Sweden Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro: Soloists, chorus, Gothenburg Opera Orchestra, Jane Glover (conductor 27.09.2014), Patrik Ringborg (conductor 31.10.2014) Gothenburg Opera, 27.09.2014/31.10.2014
New Met Carmen: A Mixed Blend
United States Bizet, Carmen (Met Opera HD Broadcast): Soloists, Metropolitan Opera and Chorus, Pablo Heras-Casado (conductor), New York, NY, 1.11.2014 (RDA)
Dance Performance Disappoints Despite Impressive Setting
United Kingdom Various Composers, Siena: La Veronal, Southbank Centre, London, 30.10.2014 (J.O’D)
Giovanni Verga’s Musicianship
Italy Florence. Mascagni, Cavalleria Rusticana. Orchestra and Chorus of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Chorus Master, Lorenzo Fratini. Conductor, Giampaolo Bisanti. Stage Director, Mario Pontiggia. Sets and Costumes, Francesco Zito. Lighting, Gianni Paolo Mirenda. Opera di Firenze 23.10.2014 (JB)
Four Choreographers Interpret Thomas Adès’ Music
United Kingdom Thomas Adès, See the Music, Hear the Dance: Britten Sinfonia (conducted by Thomas Adès), Choreography by McGregor, Armitage, Whitley and Pite, Sadlers Wells, Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, Kidd Pivot, Sadler’s Wells, London, 31.10.2014 (J.O’D)