Ernani, Metropolitan Opera

Ernani accosts us with the charm and the gaucherie of a provincial youth
without much experience as the host of a classy party.

The Tales of Hoffmann, ENO

In many respects, The Tales of Hoffmann and Richard Jones would seem a good fit.

Dido and Aeneas, Manitoba

Winnipeg music lovers were willingly transported back several centuries as
Daniel Taylor and Montreal-based Theatre of Early Music graced Westminster
United Church with a program of infrequently heard music.

Dvo?·k’s The Jacobin, London

In advance of the new Rusalka at the Royal Opera House, the Barbican and the BBC Symphony Orchestra brought an electrifying performance of Dvo?·k’s The Jacobin to London.

Der Rosenkavalier, ENO

English National Opera’s revival of Richard Strauss’s fin de
siËcle
Figaro is a heart-warming treat for a cold winter’s
night.

Weill: Die sieben Tods¸nden

I failed to discern any rationale behind programming the Brecht-Weill ballet chantÈ with various works by Debussy, one orchestrated by Robin Holloway.

L’Enfant et les SortilËges and La Navarraise in Monte-Carlo

The magic was in the pit, not that all Monaco was not magical — on January 25 a yellow Lamborghini, a red Ferrari, a vintage Jaguar among other magnificent machines stood before the entrance to Monte-Carlo’s resplendent Casino cum transplendent 500-seat opera house.

Werner G¸ra Sings Schubert, Wigmore Hall

Each year, the Wigmore Hall commemorates Franz Schubert’s birthday with a high profile recital. This year, Werner G¸ra and Roger Vignoles presented a recital which was a timely reminder of what Lieder performance should be.

Salome, San Diego

The San Diego Opera Company opened its 47th season on Saturday, January 26th
with Richard Strauss’ Salome, a work that has something in it for
everyone: lust, love, lasciviousness, homosexuality, heterosexuality, homicide,
suicide, a voluptuous dance and quickie nudity.

Mozart’s Die Zauberflˆte at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s recent revival of Mozart’s Die Zauberflˆte offered a production with vocal pairs carefully matched and dramatic representation expressing the varying shades of Mozart’s score.