Opera + Classical Music Reviews

Die Walküre review – The London Opera Company at St John’s, Smith Square

by Sam Smith

An evening that just got better and better as it went on


Chineke! review – Armatrading and Tchaikovsky

by Barry Creasy
The orchestra bring their customary élan to the world première of Joan Armatrading’s first, and Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphonies
Chineke! review – Armatrading and Tchaikovsky

Fauré and Gounod review – fervour and tendresse from Insula orchestra

by Barry Creasy
Insula orchestra and accentus chamber choir under Laurence Equilbey deliver performances of quiet intensity accompanied by images from filmmaker Mat Collishaw
Fauré and Gounod review – fervour and tendresse from Insula orchestra

Tavener Remembered review – BBC Singers perform works by John Tavener and his contemp...

by Barry Creasy
A breathtaking venue, excellent performances, an enjoyable programme, and an apposite tribute to a much-loved composer
Tavener Remembered review – BBC Singers perform works by John Tavener and his contemp...

Jephtha review – the Royal Opera’s staging of Handel’s oratorio makes for a gloom...

by Barry Creasy
Metaphors abound in Oliver Mears’ production: some lumberingly intentional, others unfortunately and accidentally apposite
Jephtha review – the Royal Opera’s staging of Handel’s oratorio makes for a gloom...

Respighi Opera Double Bill review – the Guildhall School of Music & Drama perfor...

by Sam Smith
Ingenious stagings of some unusual and interesting pieces
Respighi Opera Double Bill review – the Guildhall School of Music & Drama perfor...

Esther Yoo and Jae Hong Park review – a dazzling display of technique and virtuosity ...

by Sam Smith
The concert lasted a lunchtime, the memory will last a lifetime
Esther Yoo and Jae Hong Park review – a dazzling display of technique and virtuosity ...

7 Deaths of Maria Callas review – ENO gives the UK premiere of Marina Abramović’s ...

by Keith McDonnell
Marking the centenary of Callas’ birth, English National Opera mounts an homage to the Greek diva with mixed results
7 Deaths of Maria Callas review – ENO gives the UK premiere of Marina Abramović’s ...

‘A Prayer for Deliverance’ – a meticulously performed concert of choral music for...

by Barry Creasy
A cappella music on the theme of ‘rest’ – in its broadest sense – performed with sensitivity and accuracy by one of the UK’s most high-profile choral groups
‘A Prayer for Deliverance’ – a meticulously performed concert of choral music for...

Lohengrin review – an outstanding revival at the Deutsche Oper Berlin

by Keith McDonnell
Kasper Holten turns the story of Lohengrin on its head and delivers a staging of elemental power that’s gloriously performed in Berlin. A stranger answers the plea of a distraught woman who’s been wrongly accused...
Lohengrin review – an outstanding revival at the Deutsche Oper Berlin

Der fliegende Holländer review – Wagner’s seafaring tale returns to the Deutsche Oper

by Keith McDonnell
Christian Spuck’s dark, engrossing staging of Der fliegende Holländer is thrillingly sung in Berlin.
Der fliegende Holländer review – Wagner’s seafaring tale returns to the Deutsche Oper

Autumn Leaves: a celebration of the season from Lucy Crowe and Anna Tilbrook

by Barry Creasy
With songs from Schubert through to Joseph Kosma, the soprano and pianist bring an autumnal atmosphere to Wigmore Hall
Autumn Leaves: a celebration of the season from Lucy Crowe and Anna Tilbrook

Death and Transfiguration – Strauss, Ravel and León from LPO and Canellakis

by Barry Creasy
The LPO welcomed Tania Léon with a UK première of her piece Horizons; the programme also included two of Richard Strauss’ early tone poems, and Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand with pianist Cédric Tiberghien
Death and Transfiguration – Strauss, Ravel and León from LPO and Canellakis

La traviata review – English National Opera delivers a gripping account of one of Ver...

by Keith McDonnell
This remarkably sung, dramatically alert performance of La traviata shows ENO performing at the very top of its game
La traviata review – English National Opera delivers a gripping account of one of Ver...

Il trittico review – three for the price of one in Vienna

by Melanie Eskenazi
Puccini runs the gamut of emotions with his short, but intense ensemble pieces, brought to life by the Wiener Staatsoper
Il trittico review – three for the price of one in Vienna

Britten Sinfonia and Elizabeth Watts review – a captivating evening of music for stri...

by Barry Creasy
The soprano joins the string section to present a cleverly curated set of contrasting works at Milton Court
Britten Sinfonia and Elizabeth Watts review – a captivating evening of music for stri...

Handel’s Clori, Tirsi e Fileno review – The English Concert shines at the Wigmore Hall

by Sam Smith
Harry Bicket leads a superlative performance of this most engaging of cantatas
Handel’s Clori, Tirsi e Fileno review – The English Concert shines at the Wigmore Hall

Rigoletto review – Oliver Mears’ staging is back at The Royal Opera House

by Keith McDonnell
The danger and drama that had made this Rigoletto so enthralling when new was sadly lacking in this latest revival at Covent Garden
Rigoletto review – Oliver Mears’ staging is back at The Royal Opera House

Iolanthe review – a riotous evening of fairy magic at ENO

by Keith McDonnell
English National Opera revives Cal McCrystal’s zany, irreverent staging of this Gilbert and Sullivan classic, that has us rolling in the aisles
Iolanthe review – a riotous evening of fairy magic at ENO

Masque of Might review – recycled Purcell saves the planet

by Melanie Eskenazi
David Pountney and Opera North delight with a spectacle of stagecraft and music
Masque of Might review – recycled Purcell saves the planet

Emilio de’ Cavalieri’s Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo review – Vox Lumini...

by Sam Smith
A contender for the first ever opera and a highly compelling piece
Emilio de’ Cavalieri’s Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo review – Vox Lumini...