United Kingdom Mozart and Mahler: Jan Lisiecki (piano), BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jiří Bělohlávek (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 9.3.2012. (JPr)
Jim Pritchard
Hans Klok’s The Houdini Experience
United Kingdom Hans Klok’s The Houdini Experience: Hans Klok, the Divas of Magic, Dancers and World-class variety acts. Peacock Theatre, London, 28.2.2012 (JPr)
No Fairy Tale Lyricism in ROH’s Disturbing Rusalka
United Kingdom Dvořák, Rusalka: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Royal Opera / Yannick Nézet-Séguin (conductor), directed by Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 27.2.2012. (JPr)
Ernani’s Convoluted Plot Taken at a Gallop Amid Gothic Gloom
United Kingdom Verdi, Ernani: Met Live in HD staged by Peter McClintock and directed for television by Barbara Willis Sweete with Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, New York / Marco Armiliato (conductor), broadcast to the Barbican Cinema, London, 25.2.12. (JPr)
Bombast and Passion but Little Subtlety in Medcalf’s Aida
United Kingdom Verdi, Aida : Soloists and Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Andrew Greenwood (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London 23.2.2012 (JPr)
Interview with Bass-baritone Alan Held
‘When I stop learning that’s when I retire’: Bass-baritone Alan Held talks to Jim Pritchard about his career and his current role in the Royal Opera’s Rusalka
Sir Mark Elder Conducts Berlioz Roméo et Juliette
United Kingdom Berlioz, Romeo and Juliet (Roméo et Juliette): Patricia Bardon (mezzo-soprano), John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Orlin Anastassov (bass), BBC Symphony Chorus, Schola Cantorum, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 18.2.2012. (JPr)
Exuberant Pappano Conducts a Sparkling Figaro
United Kingdom Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Royal Opera. Conductor: Antonio Pappano. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 17.2.2012. (JPr)