Author: john_y

The annual Z¸rcher Festspiel banked on a heavy hitter to generate excitement for its revival of Der Rosenkavalier.

We have Welsh National Opera to thank not only for providing the occasion for an auspicious role debut, but also for showcasing their world star in a wholly brilliant new production of Die Meistersinger von N¸rnberg.

The Royal Opera’s intriguingly staged Manon had all the trappings of success including a soprano at the top of her game, and a tenor on the brink of his fame.

With Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ stunning A Little Night
Music, at long last we have been treated to a multi-faceted production
that not only equals, but in many ways surpasses the dazzling original.

Paris OpÈra recently served up two past productions in vibrant performances that were fresh-as-new.

Had John Carpenter come up with the “beheading” of John the Baptist, it might have not been too much different from the effect we endured in the new Salome produced by the Heidelberg City Theatre.

It may be possible that there is no more effervescent entertainment on stage
in London now than the tirelessly clever revival of Il Turco in
Italia now playing at the Royal Opera House.

The Baden State Theatre’s new mounting of I Masnadieri may not completely be the production of one’s dreams.

Z¸rich Opera’s poster for their new production of Idomeneo is a knockout.

For those who might be seeking a representational tale of the legendary Roman slave Spartacus, well, Gladiator this ain’t.