“Two classic French comedies, one wardrobe…” was Bampton Classical Opera’s billing for this amusing double bill and, with typically wry wit, director Jeremy Gray duly placed a shabby-chic armoire centre-stage and made it the location of some Cherubino-Countess-style confusions and Goldoni-esque farce.
Year: 2012
Frank Bridge Song Focus
Frank Bridge (1879-1941) was a professional violinist and violist, a talented conductor, a versatile composer and skilled teacher; yet he remains something of an enigma and his music relatively unknown.
“Dreamers of Dreams”
During the years from 1890 to 1940, the so-called ‘land without music’ witnessed a remarkable outpouring of chamber and instrumental music.
Mozart’s Ghost finds its Way through Das Labyrinth
W.A. Mozart, despite a historically antagonistic relationship with his city of birth, retains an omnipresence in Salzburg that emerges in full force with each iteration of the illustrious summer festival.
Cecilia Bartoli Comes, Divides and Conquers
Cleopatra, one of few female seductresses in operatic history to emerge not only alive but empowered in the final act, is a fitting role for Cecilia Bartoli in her first season as artistic director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival.
Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Wigmore Hall
The Wigmore Hall 2012-3 season (see link below) started with a gala of glamour. Dmitri Hvorostovsky attracts patrons in jewels and designer gowns.
Martin? : Julietta, ENO
The ENO gave the British premiere of Bohuslav Martin?’s Julietta many years ago, so this new production was eagerly awaited. But what will audiences new to Martin? get from this production? It’s a myth that the English language makes opera more accessible. That just means audiences focus on words, rather than really listening or understanding.
Handel Jephtha, Welsh National Opera
Welsh National Opera have revived Katie Mitchell’s 2003 production of Handel’s Jephtha, with Robert Murray in the title role and a new focus for the drama.
Good News for Opera in Barcelona
The recently released numbers for the past season at Barcelona’s opera Liceu gives some hope for the future.
Exciting Glyndebourne 2013 season
Exciting developments at Glyndebourne ! Many new initiatives which could transform Glyndebourne from a summer festival to a truly international, year-round opera experience.