United Kingdom Berlioz, Les nuits d’éte (Summer Nights): Sinead O’Kelly (mezzo-soprano), Bryan Evans (piano), Cameron Menzies (creatives). Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, 11.3.2023. (RB)
An imaginative presentation of Les Nuits d’Été
Robert Beattie
Songs by Mahler and Mussorgsky resonate in a gaol setting
United Kingdom Mahler, Mussorgsky: Margaret Bridge (mezzo-soprano), Brendan Collins (baritone), Tristan Russcher (piano), Cameron Menzies (creatives). Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, 8.3.2023. (RB)
‘The Lost Boy’ in the Salon Series was a highly enjoyable evening
United Kingdom The Lost Boy: Conor Quinn (vocalist), Darren Day (piano), John Gillen (drums), Thomas Alford (double bass), Cameron Menzies (director). The New Orpheus, Belfast, 23.2.2023. (RB)
‘Sea Wrack’ is a fine celebration of Irish art-song in Belfast
United Kingdom ‘Sea Wrack’: Cameron Menzies (Director), Sara O’Neill (Designer), Susie Gibbons (soprano), Jenny Bourke (mezzo-soprano), Michael Bell (tenor), Seamus Brady (baritone), Frasier Hickland (piano). St Joseph’s Sailortown, Belfast, 19.2.2023. (RB)
Barber proves a highly enjoyable first full production for Ulster Touring Opera
United Kingdom Rossini, The Barber of Seville: Soloists of Ulster Touring Opera / Gary Matthewman (musical director / piano), Gillian McCutcheon (clarinet). The MAC Theatre Belfast, 15.2.2023. (RB)
Impressive Poulenc inaugurates Northern Ireland Opera’s Salon Series
United Kingdom Poulenc, La voix humaine: Mary McCabe (soprano), David Quigley (piano), Cameron Menzies (director), Linda Britten (gown design). Throne Room, Hillsborough Castle, Hillsborough, 11.2.2023. (RB)
Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble put some important new works on the map
United Kingdom Ink Still Wet VI: Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble (Aisling Agnew [flute], David McCann [cello], Daniel Browell [piano], Sarah Watts [clarinet], Ciaran McCabe [violin]) /Sinead Hayes (conductor). Harty Room, Queen’s University, Belfast, 27.1.2023. (RB)
A highly imaginative fusion of two late Janáček masterpieces in Brno
Czech Republic Janáček, From the House of the Dead, Glagolitic Mass: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the National Theatre, Brno / Jakub Hrůša (Conductor), Livestreamed on OperaVision from the National Theatre, Brno, 6.11.2022 (RB)
