The Charterhouse of Parma in Marseille

Henri Sauguet is not entirely unknown in opera circles — divas Regine Crespin, Felicity Lott, Nathalie Dessay and Leontyne Price have included his arias in their solo albums. Plus there is a recording of his 1954 opera-comique Les Caprices de Marianne.

Verdi’s Aida at Lyric Opera, Chicago

In its current revival of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida Lyric Opera of Chicago approaches the challenges of the ambitious score with a cast well suited to the music and to the drama.

The Barber of Seville, Metropolitan Opera

It was a performance of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville in the late 90’s that marked my first visit to the Met.

Le nozze di Figaro, Royal Opera

David McVicar’s production of The Marriage of Figaro, previously staged in 2006 (twice),

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.