United States Verdi, Aida: Soloists, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Renato Palumbo (conductor), Civic Opera House, Chicago. 28.1.2012 (JLZ)
Opera & Ballet
Collected opera and ballet reviews
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)
Prokofiev Opera Offers Conservatoire Students a Chance to Shine
United Kingdom Prokofiev, Betrothal in a Monastery: Soloists and Chorus of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Orchestra of Scottish Opera, Timothy Dean (conductor), Edinburgh Festival Theatre, 28.01.2012 (SRT)
“Men in Motion”: Male Dancers’ Exciting Movements!
United Kingdom Ivan Putrov Men in Motion – A mixed programme of ballet with Ivan Putrov and Dancers, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London. 27.1.2012 (MMB)
Ludicrous Slapstick and Designs Spoil Covent Garden’s Così
Mozart, Così fan tutte: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Sir Colin Davis (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 27.1.2012 (MB)