United Kingdom Handel, Orlando HWV31: (semi-staged performance) Soloists; English Concert/Harry Bickett (director). Barbican Hall, London 1.3.2016 (CC)
UK Opera
All opera reviews from UK sources
David McVicar’s Production of Aida Returns to Valencia
Spain Verdi, Aida: Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, Cor de la Generalitat Valenciana / Ramón Tebar (conductor), Palau de Les Arts, Valencia, 2.3.2016. (JMI)

An Outstanding Rape of Lucretia at the Guildhall
United Kingdom Britten, The Rape of Lucretia: Soloists, Orchestra of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Dominic Wheeler (conductor). Silk Street Theatre, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, 24.2.2016. (MB)
Gripping, High Drama in Chelsea Opera Group’s Il Trovatore
United Kingdom Verdi, Il Trovatore: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Chelsea Opera Group, Deborah Miles-Johnson (chorus master), Andrew Greenwood (conductor), Cadogan Hall, London, 28.2.2016. (RP)

Good Cast and Excellent Period Band in Scottish Opera’s Ariodante
United Kingdom Handel, Ariodante: Soloists, Orchestra of Scottish Opera, Chorus of Ariodante, Nicholas Kraemer (conductor), Edinburgh Festival Theatre, 27.2.2016. (SRT)

Unexpected Opera Shrinks Wagner’s Ring to an Enjoyable Two Hours in a Launderette
United Kingdom Wagner, Unexpected Opera’s The Rinse Cycle: Soloists of Unexpected Opera / Robert Bottriell (piano). Charing Cross Theatre, Charing Cross, London, 20.2.2016. (JPr)

(c) Robert Workman
ENO’s Updated Norma is Sung Well but Dull and Depressing
United Kingdom Bellini, Norma: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of English National Opera / Stephen Lord (conductor). London Coliseum, London. 17.2.2016. (JPr)

(c) Alastair Muir