Author: Gary Hoffman
‘Where’er You Walk’: Handel’s Favourite Tenor
I have sometimes lamented the preference of Ian Page’s Classical Opera for concert performances and recordings over staged productions, albeit that their renditions of eighteenth-century operas and vocal works are unfailingly stylish, illuminating and supported by worthy research.
The Pirates of Penzance, ENO
Topsy Turvy, Mike Leigh’s 1999 film starring Timothy Spall and Jim Broadbent, dramatized the fraught working relationship of William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan; it won four Oscar nominations (garnering two Academy Awards, for costume and make-up) and is a wonderful exploration of the creative process of bringing a theatrical work to life.
Manitoba Opera: Turandot
There’s little doubt that Puccini’s Turandot is a flawed, illogical fairytale. Yet it continues to resonate today with its undying “love shall conquer all” ethos, where even the most heinous crimes may be forgiven by that which makes the world go ‘round.
Orlando Explores Art Without Boundaries
R.B. Schlather’s production of Handel’s Orlando asks the enigmatic question: Where do the boundaries of performance art begin, and where do they end?
The Virtues of Things
A good number of recent shorter operas, particularly those performed in this country, made a stronger impression with their libretti than their scores.
KrÛl Roger, Royal Opera
It has taken almost 89 years for Karol Szymanowski’s KrÛl Roger to reach the stage of Covent Garden.
Kathleen Ferrier Awards, Wigmore Hall
Kathleen Ferrier may have been one of the world’s finest contraltos but this year’s Kathleen Ferrier Awards Final, held at the Wigmore Hall, was all about lyric sopranos.