United Kingdom Tom Coult – Violet: Soloists, Sound Intermedia (sound design), London Sinfonietta / Andrew Gourlay (conductor). Hackney Empire, London, 23.6.2022. (MB)
The striking London premiere of Tom Coult’s first opera, Violet
Mark Berry
The Royal Opera revives a ‘more authentic’ Madama Butterfly with mixed results
United Kingdom Puccini, Madama Butterfly: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus (chorus director: William Spaulding), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Dan Ettinger (conductor). Royal Opera House, London, 14.6.2022. (MB)
Barrie Kosky’s intriguing double bill of Purcell and Bartók in Frankfurt
Germany Purcell, Bartók: Soloists, Frankfurt Opera Chorus (chorus director: Tilman Michael), Frankfurt Opern- und Museumsorchester / Benjamin Reiners (conductor). Oper Frankfurt, Frankfurt, 5.6.2022. (MB)
Theater Bonn makes a strong case for Franckenstein’s Li-Tai-Pe
Germany Franckenstein, Li-Tai-Pe: Soloists, Chorus and Extra Chorus of Theater Bonn (chorus director: Marco Medved), Beethoven Orchester Bonn / Hermes Helfricht (conductor). Bonn Opera House, Bonn, 4.6.2022. (MB)
Cologne’s Portrait celebrates Sir Simon Rattle
Germany R. Strauss and Mahler: Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano), Andrew Staples (tenor), Chamber Orchestra of Europe / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Philharmonie, Cologne, 3.6.2022. (MB)
Master pianists combine in a thrilling two-piano Wigmore Hall recital
United Kingdom Adams, Schumann, Debussy, and Stravinsky: Leif Ove Andsnes, Marc-André Hamelin (pianos). Wigmore Hall, London, 30.5.2022. (MB)
Despite committed musical advocacy, The Wreckers at Glyndebourne fails to convince
United Kingdom Glyndebourne Festival 2022 – Smyth, The Wreckers: Soloists, The Glyndebourne Chorus (chorus director: Aidan Oliver), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Robin Ticciati (conductor). Glyndebourne Opera House, Sussex, 21.5.2022. (MB)
A winning combination of operas by Blow and Purcell
United Kingdom Blow, Purcell: Soloists, HGOAntiqua Orchestra / Seb Gillot (conductor). Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone, London, 20.5.2022. (MB)
