Spain Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Der Schaupieldirektor & Franz Josef Haydn, La Canterina: Soloists, Bizkaia Symphony Orchestra, Pablo Mielgo (Conductor), Teatro Arriaga, Bilbao, 3.2.2012 (JMI)
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
A Body of Art: Munich’s Das Rheingold
Germany R. Wagner, Das Rheingold: Soloists, Kent Nagano (conductor), Bavarian State Orchestra, National Theater, Munich, 9.2.2012. (JFL)
Vincent and Flavia Tango the Night Away in a Glitzy Production
United Kingdom Midnight Tango with Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace: actors, dancers and Miguel Angel (singer) with Tango Siempre. Aldwych Theatre, London, 31.1.12. (JPr)
Sondra Radvanovsky Triumphs at Chicago Lyric in Evergreen Aida
United States Verdi, Aida: Soloists, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Renato Palumbo (conductor), Civic Opera House, Chicago. 28.1.2012 (JLZ)
Banal Libretto Lets Down Harvey’s Wagner Dream
United Kingdom Jonathan Harvey, Wagner’s Dream (British premiere): Soloists, Actors, Gilbert Nouno (IRCAM computer music designer), Franck Rossi (IRCAM sound engineer), BBC Symphony Orchestra / Martyn Brabbins (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 29.1.2012 (MB)
Splendid New Production of Norma by Opera North
Bellini, Norma: Soloists, Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, Oliver von Dohnányi (conductor), Grand Theatre, Leeds, 28.1.2012 (JL)
Delightful Rosenkavalier from English National Opera
United Kingdom Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier: Soloists, Orchestra and Chorus of the English National Opera, Edward Gardner (conductor), Coliseum, London, 28.1.2012 (MB)
Compelling Verismo Double Bill in Copenhagen
Denmark Mascagni, Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo, Pagliacci: Stefano Ranzani (conductor), Royal Danish Orchestra and Opera Chorus, The Royal Danish Boys’ Choir, and Gentofte and Jægersporg Church Girl’s Choir, Operaen, Copenhagen, 22.01.2012 (NS)