REVIEWS

GLYNDEBORNE

21.5.2012    The Telegraph
The Cunning Little Vixen, Glyndebourne, review
Melly Still’s new production of Janacek’s masterpiece achieves a delicate balance between whimsy and mysticism
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturereviews/9279580/The-Cunning-Little-Vixen-Glyndebourne-review.html

21.5.2012    The Arts Desk

The Cunning Little Vixen, Glyndebourne Festival
Janáček’s strange meeting of animal and human worlds has the right earthiness in Melly Still’s production
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/cunning-little-vixen-glyndebourne-festival-opera

21.5.2012    The Guardian

The Cunning Little Vixen – review
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/21/the-cunning-little-vixen-review?newsfeed=true

21.5.2012    The Independent

The Cunning Little Vixen, Glyndebourne Festival, Glyndebourne, East Susse
Read more

21.5.2012    Evening Standard

Cunning Little Vixen, Glyndebourne – review
A 100-minute opera divided in two by a 100-minute interval as Vladimir Jurowski brings out the craggy grandeur of Janacek’s
orchestral landscape
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/music/cunning-little-vixen-glyndebourne–review-7770377.html

FORT WORTH  Texas

20.5.2012    Star-Telegram
Fort Worth Opera’s ‘Marriage of Figaro’ sounds better than it looks
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/05/20/3973502/fort-worth-operas-marriage-of.html#tvg

20.5.2012    Theater James

Traditional Wedding
The Fort Worth Opera delivers a conventional but entertaining enough The Marriage of Figaro in its 2012 festival.
http://www.theaterjones.com/reviews/20120519092151/2012-05-20/Fort-Worth-Opera/The-Marriage-of-Figaro

LOS ANGELES

21.5.2012    Los Angeles Times
Review: ‘Don Giovanni’ feels right at home in Disney Hall
The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s new production of the Mozart opera is an extraordinary achievement, freshly illuminated and site-specific.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-laphil-don-giovanni-review-20120521,0,7762006.story

CARDIFF
Tristan und Isolde, Welsh National Opera
Superb lyrical singing and few disagreeable surprises in latest Cardiff Wagner
Mehr Info

FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Remembering December
Fort Worth Opera’s exquisite production of Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers
is a welcome entry into the canon
Read more

LOS ANGELES
Mozart Meets the Future
Los Angeles Philharmonic unter Dudamel spielen Oper Don Giovanni in
Los Angeles
Read more

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK
Geldanlage?
What’s the price on history? 120-year-old Stone Opera
House among properties to be auctioned
Read more

Feuilleton
French Opera hits the right Note in US
“Concert halls across America are showcasing francophone conductors
and productions with distinct ties to Paris.”
Read more

Cardiff
Tristan und Isolde, Welsh National Opera
Superb lyrical singing and few disagreeable surprises in latest Cardiff Wagner
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/tristan-und-isolde-welsh-national-opera

Fort Worth, Texas
Remembering December
Fort Worth Opera’s exquisite production of Jake Heggie’s Three Decembers is a welcome entry into the canon
http://www.theaterjones.com/reviews/20120519112409/2012-05-19/Fort-Worth-Opera/Three-Decembers

NEW YORK
Interview mit Nina Stemme
A Drama Queen With Her Head On Straight
Read more

PHILADELPHIA
Review: Center City Opera’s fine “Il Postino’
Read more

CHICAGO
Northwestern Opera Theater presents an admirable “Albert Herring”
Read more

DETROIT
MOT delivers ‘I Pagliacci’ with tuneful zest
Read more

NAPLES, FLORIDA
Review: Opera Naples ‘Eugene Onegin’ ideal mesh of stars, support, sumptuous music
Read more

Feuilleton
Interview: composer Jonathan Dove talks about his new opera, The Walk From the Garden
Read more

CD-Review
Vivaldi’s “Teuzzone’
Read more

PHILADELPHIA
Review: Center City Opera’s fine “Il Postino’
Read more

CHICAGO
Northwestern Opera Theater presents an admirable “Albert Herring”
Read more

DETROIT
MOT delivers ‘I Pagliacci’ with tuneful zest
Read more

NAPLES, FLORIDA
Review: Opera Naples ‘Eugene Onegin’ ideal mesh of stars, support, sumptuous music
Read more

LONDON
The opera novice: Verdi’s Falstaff
There’s plenty of horsing around in Verdi’s final opera Falstaff, finds Sameer Rahim.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9272956/The-opera-novice-Verdis-Falstaff.html

BIRMINGHAM
34th Opera Birmingham vocal competition takes place this weekend
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/05/34th_opera_birmingham_vocal_co.html

NEW YORK
Mattila Bows Out From Met Production
“Karita Mattila, the Finnish soprano, has dropped out of a new production of Verdi’s “Ballo in Maschera” at the
Metropolitan Opera planned for next season, (…)”
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/17/mattila-bows-out-from-met-production/

MILWAUKEE
Florentine’s “Idomeneo”: Thoroughly modern opera seria
Read more

LOS ANGELES
Review: ‘La Boheme’ sings with freshness, passion
Read more

SEATTLE
An unfettered “Butterfly’
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/05/18/2149060/an-unfettered-butterfly.html

LONDON

Falstaff, Royal Opera House, London
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/52f0efb0-9f3f-11e1-a255-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1v8J95m2V
Falstaff – review
Royal Opera House
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/16/falstaff-review
Falstaff, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, review
Having a real horse onstage which Falstaff rides into Windsor Forest was only an amusing gimmick, writes Rupert Christiansen.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9269955/Falstaff-Royal-Opera-Covent-Garden-review.html

Interview: Magdalena Kožená: ‘I’m not scared of the big maestro’
What’s it like to sing Carmen when your husband is the conductor? Magdalena Kožená (aka Lady Simon Rattle)
reveals all to Kate Connolly
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/16/magdalena-kozena

The Rite of Spring and Oedipus Rex, London Symphony Orchestra, Barbican, review
Read more

SIDNEY
Review: Onegin | Opera Theatre, Sydney
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/curtaincall/2012/05/17/review-onegin-opera-theatre-sydney/

ANTWERPEN

15.5.2012    The New York Times
Filling in the Missing Links of an Opera Donizetti Never Finished
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/arts/16iht-loomis16.html

LONDON

15.5.2012    Opera Britannia
Falstaff: The Royal Opera, 15th May 2012
Read more

15.5.2012    The Arts Desk

Falstaff, Royal Opera House
Splendid cast aside, Robert Carsen’s new production peaks too soon “That the Royal Opera hired a horse (Rupert) who
had better comic timing than much of the rest of the show didn’t help.”
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/falstaff-royal-opera-house

15.5.2012    The Guardian

Mariss Jansons mit einem Richard Strauss-Programm
RCO/Jansons – review,Barbican,London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/15/rco-jansons-strauss-barbican-review

15.5.2012    The Guardian

LSO play a free concert in Trafalgar Square – in pictures
On Saturday 12 May, the rain clouds briefly lifted and the London Symphony Orchestra played a free concert to an audience of thousands in Trafalgar Square
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/gallery/2012/may/15/lso-trafalgar-square-concert

NEW YORK

15.5.2012    The New York Times
On Opening Night, Stepping Back to the Old Favorites American Ballet Theater’s
Opening-Night Gala
Read more

LOS ANGELES

15.5.2012    The Christian Science Monitor

‘Follies’ and ‘La Boheme’ take Los Angeles by storm
‘La Boheme’ makes a classic new again, while Sondheim’s ‘Follies’ is a show only now being hailed
as a masterwork.
Read more

NEW YORK

14.5.2012    Opera Review (NYC)

Opera Review (NYC): Travelers: “The Wandering Scholar” and “Savitri” by Gustav Holst
http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/opera-review-nyc-travelers-the-wandering/

WASHINGTON

15.5.2012    The Washington Post

Opera review: “Samson et Dalila,’ by the Washington Concert Opera
Read more

HONG KONG

14.5.2012    Time Out Hong Kong

Carmen by Opera Hong Kong: reviewed
“(…) a co-production of Opera Hong Kong, Shanghai Opera House and Slovene National Opera and Ballet Maribor (…)”
http://www.timeout.com.hk/music/features/50700/carmen-by-opera-hong-kong-reviewed.html

BERLIN

13.5.2012    Intermezzo

Stefan Herheim’s Xerxes opens in Berlin / Komische Oper
http://intermezzo.typepad.com/intermezzo/2012/05/stefan-herheim-xerxes.html

NEW YORK

New York City Opera: Georg Philipp Telemanns “Orpheus”
City Opera’s Unabashed Underworld
New York City Opera’s “Orpheus’ at El Museo del Barrio “This is the first New York production of the little-known “Orpheus,” composed in 1726, which came to attention when a manuscript was discovered in 1978. “
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/14/arts/music/new-york-city-operas-orpheus-at-el-museo-del-barrio.html

Video’s Shifting “Ring’ Roles
Video

WASHINGTON

Opera review: “Werther’ at the Washington National Opera
Read more

LOS ANGELES

Review: L.A. Opera’s ‘La Boheme’ has young cast in old production
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-la-boheme-review-20120514,0,3718314.story

MÜNCHEN
An effervescent Figaro at the Bayerische Staatsoper
Read more

BERLIN
Bilderstrecke zum neuen “Xerxes” an der Komischen Oper Berlin
Stefan Herheim’s Xerxes opens in Berlin
Read more

LONDON

Interview mit Valery Gergiev
Valery Gergiev: why Igor Stravinsky was Russian to the core – interview
Read more

NEW YORK
Opernrarität an der New York City Opera
Georg Philipp Telemanns “Orpheus”
City Opera’s Unabashed Underworld
New York City Opera’s “Orpheus’ at El Museo del Barrio “This is the first
New York production of the little-known “Orpheus,” composed in 1726,
which came to attention when a manuscript was discovered in 1978. “
Mehr Info

Should’ve stayed dead and buried
Read more

Video’s Shifting “Ring’ Roles
Read more

WASHINGTON
Opera review: “Werther’ at the Washington National Opera
Read more

PHILADELPHIA
Christian Gerhaher and András Shiff: A true musical partnership
Read more

LOS ANGELES
Review: L.A. Opera’s ‘La Boheme’ has young cast in old production
Read more

ROM

13.5. 2012   Chicago Tribune
Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Riccardo Muti gets high papal
honor at Vatican
“He received the honor, known as the Great Cross of St. Gregory the Great,
after leading a performance at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI.”
Read more

LONDON

12.5.2012    BroadwayWorld.com
BWW Reviews: LA BOHEME ABANXAXHI, Hackney Empire,
May 11 2012
Isango Ensemble’s extraordinary La Boheme takes Puccini’s Parisian
opera of the 19th century and locates it in a present day South African
township
Read more

13.5.2012    The Financial Time

BBCSO/Vedernikov, Barbican, London
Finnish composer Kalevi Aho’s Trombone Concerto, here receiving its
UK premiere, was a typically individual piece of work
Read more

14.5.2012    The Independent

London Symphony Orchestra / Gergiev, Barbican Hall,
London
Read more

CLEVELAND

13.5.2012    Cleveland.com

Nina Stemme als Salome: Vorschau auf eine konzertante „Salome“ unterFranz Welser-Möst am
24. bzw. 26. Mai;
Cleveland Orchestra, guests brace for Strauss’ ‘Salome’
Read more

NEW YORK

12.5.2012    The Financial Time

Lines Ballet, Joyce Theater, New York
Read more

PORTLAND

12.5.2012    OREGONLive.com
‘Candide’ review: Keller’s acoustics, dim lighting undercut strong performances
Read more

DETROIT

13.5.2012    The Detroit News
MOT strikes the tragic pitch of ‘I Pagliacci’
Read more

DALLAS

12.5.2012   Theater Jones
Uh-Oh Fidelio
Despite beautiful playing from the orchestra, the Dallas Symphony chokes
on a concert version of Beethoven’s only opera.
Mehr Info

VERSAILLES

13.5.2012    Toronto.com
Opera Atelier’s Armide a triumph in Versailles
http://www.toronto.com/article/727523–opera-atelier-s-armide-a-triumph-in-versailles

LEEDS

12.5.2012    The Press
Review: Carousel, Opera North, Leeds Grand Theatre
Read more

LONDON

11.5.2012    MusicalCritisicm.com
Puccini: Madama Butterfly – English National Opera
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-butterfly-0512.shtml

11.5.2012    The Guardian

Véronique Gens/Susan Manoff – review
Wigmore Hall, London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/11/veronique-gens-susan-manoff-review

NEW YORK

11.5.2012    The New York Times
Sängerfotografien
The Corner of Falstaff and Zerbinetta
Read more

11.5.2012    The New York Times

The Ballet Stage: To Them, the Job
Read more

PHILADELPHIA

12.5.2012    The Inquirer
Virtuosic “Elektra” from orchestra and singers
Read more

LOS ANGELES

11.5.2012    Los Angeles Times
Uraufführung
Review: Industry’s remarkable ‘Crescent City’ reshapes L.A. opera
The fantastical layerings in Anne LeBaron’s offbeat new opera ‘Crescent City’ at Atwater Crossing signal interesting
things to come from Yuval Sharon’s The Industry.
Read more

12.5.2012    Financial Times

Feuilleton
To marry the heart and the head
prolific Catalan musician Jordi Savall talks about grief, memory and building bridges
Read more

London
Noch eine Besprechung zum Flórez Recital
Juan Diego Flórez: Royal Albert Hall, 8th May 2012
Read more

Robert Carsen on Falstaff
The director talks about “one of the greatest works of lyric theatre”.
http://www.roh.org.uk/news/robert-carsen-on-falstaff

Glyndborne
Glyndebourne: interview with soprano Lucy Crowe ahead of Little Vixen
At Glyndebourne, Lucy Crowe pauses on her dizzying ascent to stardom to talk to Rupert Christiansen.
Read more

London
Juan Diego Flórez review
Royal Albert Hall, London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/may/09/juan-diego-florez-review

Interview im Telegraph mit Anita Hartig!
Anita Hartig: new face
Anita Hartig is enjoying special success as Mimi in Puccini’s La Bohème, finds Rupert Christiansen.
Read more

Wird der Kunstform Oper durch Kinoübertragungen geschadet?
Opera world hits back over criticism of cinema screenings
A claim by John Berry, the artistic director of the English National Opera, that opera is harming itself by
screening live performances at cinemas has been queried by other arts organisations.
Read more

Cage@100, Kings Place, London
Coffee cans and a Peruvian donkey’s jawbone were among the instruments in this varied celebration
of John Cage’s centenary
Read more

Glasgow
Tosca triumphs at Scottish Opera
A great night out at the posh people’s panto
http://entertainment.stv.tv/onstage/306141-tosca-triumphs-at-scottish-opera/

Feuilleton
Komponisten-Interview
George Benjamin: a life in music
‘For a huge number of people, contemporary classical music is just closed. It’s a very peripheral activity in our
society, I fear’
Read more

Toronto
Semele review: Opera production saved by spectacular music
“Nova Scotia native soprano Jane Archibald is alone worth the price of a ticket. She is spectacular in the title role,
as a spoiled girl who spurns her fiancé for Jupiter, king of the gods.”
Read more
Opery review
East and West meet as strangers in COC’s Semele
Read more

Feuilleton
René Pape Announces Upcoming Performances
Read more

TORONTO

Semele review: Opera production saved by spectacular music
“Nova Scotia native soprano Jane Archibald is alone worth the price of a ticket. She is spectacular in the title role, as a spoiled girl who spurns her fiancé for Jupiter, king of the gods.”
http://www.toronto.com/article/727235–semele-review-opera-production-saved-by-spectacular-music
Opery review
East and West meet as strangers in COC’s Semele
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/east-and-west-meet-as-strangers-in-cocs-semele/article2428929/

GLASGOW
Tosca, Scottish Opera, Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Read more

NEW YORK

“Billy Budd: Sailor Fighting the Undertow of Repression Britten’s
“Billy Budd’ at the Metropolitan Opera
Read more
Rare Met revival of Britten’s shipboard opera 
Read more 

LONDON

London
Einstein on the Beach, Barbican Theatre
Technical cock ups can’t obscure the genius of this Glass-Wilson-Childs collaboration
Read more
Einstein on the Beach – review
Barbican, London
Read more
Einstein on the Beach, Barbican Theatre, London
Read more

DENVER

Opera Colorado’s Il Trovatore an imaginative, absorbing affair
Read more

DALLAS

Dallas Opera Makes History with The Magic Flute Simulcast at Cowboys Stadium
Read more

The Magic Flute Experiment Proves Opera Is Best Served Without Soft Pretzels
Read more

Cowboying Up at the Opera
Commentary and video: Gregory Isaacs on the Dallas Opera’s Magic Flute
simulcast at Cowboys Stadium, with video footage and interviews.
Read more 

NEW YORK

Vec  Makropulos” / MET
A Mysterious Woman With a Past, 300 Years of It Karita Mattila in Janacek’s “Makropulos
Case’ at the Met
Read more

The Makropulos Case, Metropolitan Opera, New York
The Met’s revival of Janácek’s opera is taut, smart and stylish
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9ec9594e-92c0-11e1-9e0a-00144feab49a.html

Mattila provides ageless artistry in Met’s masterful “Makropulos Case”
Read more

LONDON

La Bohème, Royal Opera House (mit Joseph Calleja)
A balance of bravura and high emotion from a starry cast in Puccini’s classic
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/la-boh%C3%A8me-royal-opera-house

La Bohème – review
Royal Opera House, London
Read more

The Flying Dutchman, English National Opera
An obsessive and redemptive new Dutchman from Jonathan Kent
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/flying-dutchman-english-national-opera
The Flying Dutchman – review
Coliseum, London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/apr/29/eno-flying-dutchman-review?newsfeed=true
Opera Review: The Flying Dutchman @ Coliseum
http://londonist.com/2012/04/opera-review-the-flying-dutchman-coliseum.php
Wagner, The Flying Dutchman, English National Opera
Read more

A Streetcar Named Desire; Sweet Violets – review
Sadler’s Wells; Royal Opera House, London
Read more

The Flying Dutchman, ENO, London Coliseum, review
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/

NEW YORK

Frank van Aken Replaces Jonas Kaufmann in Met’s DIE WALKURE Debut, 4/28
Read more

NEW HAVEN

Concert Review: Yale Opera presents a Crystalline ‘Rape of Lucretia’
Read more

PHILADELPHIA

Sir Simon Rattle conducts Philadelphia Orchestra
Über die III. Brahms: “So often in the Berlin Brahms set, it’s as if the players are skeptically asking, “Is this what you want?”
In Philadelphia, you sense that the players are saying, “This is what you want” — even if the orchestra’s horn section wasn’t
having its best night.”
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/149298215.html

TORONTO

Opera review: A Florentine Tragedy and Gianni Schicchi at the COC
Read more

LONDON

The Importance of Being Earnest, Barbican Hall A new comic masterpiece from Gerald Barry
“Gerald Barry’s new operatic adaptation of Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest delivers a number of firsts. (…)
And the first opera I’ve been to where I’ve cried with laughter.”
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/importance-being-earnest-barbican-hall
The Importance of Being Earnest, Barbican – review
A witty deconstruction of Wilde’s comedy of manners
Read more

Missa Solemnis, Barbican, London
This was a performance that encapsulated Nikolaus Harnoncourt’s journey from “period’ pioneer to grand old maestro
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/dc40ffe6-8df4-11e1-bbae-00144feab49a.html#axzz1t2t4BEGY

HOUSTON

Maria Stuarda/Don Carlos, Houston Grand Opera
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/ad7083ea-8dee-11e1-bbae-00144feab49a.html#axzz1t2t4BEGY
NEW YORK

22.4.2012    The New York Times
The Met’s “Ring’ After Oiling
In a recent interview in a small, unadorned office at the Met, Mr. Lepage
detailed some of those changes and responded to the criticism that has
dogged his “Ring”.
Read more

CHICAGO

22.4.2012    Chicago Sun Times

A rare Handel, done with the utmost care by Chicago Opera Theater
Read more

22.4.2012    Chicago Classical Review
COT wraps Medea cycle with a supremely stylish and well sung “Teseo”

Read more

22.4.2012    Chicago Tribune
Neglected Handel gem a must for early opera lovers
Read more

HOUSTON

22.4.2012    Culture Map Houston

Women at war: With a chilling Mary Stuart, HGO pulls off a show-stopping season ender
Read more

22.4.2012    San Francisco Chronicle

Joyce DiDonato takes on opera’s Scottish queen
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2012/04/22/entertainment/e074414D21.DTL

MELBOURNE

23.4.2012    Herald Sun

Review: The Magic Flute, Opera Australia
Read more

23.4.2012    Brisbane Times
A touch too much trickery and not enough magic Mozart
Read more

LONDON Ankündigung

20.4.2012    The Guardian
Proms 2012 celebrates best of Britain – youth, royalty, and Wallace &
Gromit Festival’s
118th season also features Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra’s
Beethoven cycle and marks Delius, Debussy and John Cage anniversaries.
Read more

NEW YORK

22.4.2012    The Washington Post

Glückloses New York-Gastspiel von Natalie Dessay
 Natalie Dessay, bothered by cold, replaced after 1st act of Metropolitan
Opera’s “La Traviata’
Read more

SAN DIEGO

22.4.2012    U-T San Diego
That’s entertainment: San Diego Opera offers whimsical “Barber of Sevilla”
Read more

DALLAS

21.4.2012    Theater Jones
Magic in the Air
The Dallas Opera’s production of The Magic Flute is majestic; now make plans
for the Cowboys Stadium simulcast
Read more

TORONTO

21.4.2012Toronto.com
Renée Fleming concert: Review
Read more

BERLIN

19.4.2012    The Wall Street Journal
‘Lohengrin’ Hits a High Note in Berlin
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304444604577341431409687896.html

LONDON

20.4.2012    The Telegraph
La Fille du Régiment, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, review
Read more

20.4.2012    London Evening Standard
La Fille du Régiment, Covent Garden – review
A revival production of Laurent Pelly’s acclaimed interpretation of Donizetti’s romantic comic opera
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/music/la-fille-du-rgiment-covent-garden–review-7665065.html

VANCOUVER

20.4.2012    The Vancouver Sun
Aida production to be a little less wild, thanks to city bylaw Falcons set to star in Verdi’s epic opera
grounded after complaint by animal rights group Lifeforce Society
Read More

20.4.2012    The Province

Animal activists convince opera to drop falcons from Aida
Read more

SIDNEY

19.4.2012    The Australian
La Boheme helps put Opera Australia back on song
Read more

19.4.2012    THE AGE  theage.com.au

Opera Australia rings in changes to make a profit
Mehr Info

MAILAND

18.4.2012    The Independent
La Scala chief’s anger over lack of state funding for the arts
Read more

STOCKHOLM

17.4.2012    The New York Times
Lured Back to Opera by ‘Lohengrin’
Read more

LONDON

18.4.2012    The Arts Desk

Jakob Lenz, ENO, Hampstead Theatre
A new production of a contemporary classic captures Rihm’s drama if not always his clarity
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/jakob-lenz-eno-hampstead-theatre

18.4.2012    The Independent

Jakob Lenz, ENO/Hampstead Theatre, London
Read more

18.4.2012    London Evening Standard

Jakob Lenz, Hampstead Theatre – review
The English National Opera present the first English-language production of this important work
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/music/jakob-lenz-hampstead-theatre–review-7657014.html

LONDON

18.4.2012    NPR music
Jonas Kaufmann Steps Into The (Boxing) Ring – (mit Video)
Read more

SHEFFIELD

18.4.2012    The Star

Review: Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky, English Touring
Opera at the Lyceum, Sheffield
Read more

NEW YORK

18.4.2012    Capital

Interview mit General Manager and Artistic Director George Stee
New York City Opera is profitable
“The opera is now at last on a stable financial footing, and we’re looking forward
to a bright future and to grow,” he told the group.
Read more

TORONTO

18.4.2012    NowToronto.com

The Tales Of Hoffmann, Canadian Opera Company
http://www.nowtoronto.com/stage/story.cfm?content=186243

18.4.2012    The Globe and Mail

Opera Atelier remounts a triumphant Armide
Read more

ISTANBUL

18.4.2012    Today´s  Zaman

Istanbul Opera Festival announces program for 3rd year
Mehr Info

LONDON

17.4.2012    The Guardian

Händel-Rarität
Il Pastor Fido review St George’s, Hanover Square, London
Read more

18.4.2012    The Telegraph

Daniel Barenboim, Berlin Staatskapelle, Festival Hall,
second concert, review
Read more

HOUSTON

17.4.2012    The Houston Cronicle
Interview
Bass Samuel Ramey still loves his opera life
This American bass celebrated his 70th birthday late last month, while in
rehearsal for the Houston Grand Opera’s production of “Don Carlos.” He’s
currently singing the role of the Grand Inquisitor in Giuseppe Verdi’s
operatic take on religion and politics in Renaissance Spain.
Read more

LOS ANGELES

17.4.2012    Los Angeles Times
San Antonio Opera to file for bankruptcy
Read more

NEW YORK

14.4.2012    Opera Britannia
Verdi: La traviata/ Metropolitan Opera, 14th April 2012

Dessay has many of the dramatic qualities to assume the role of Violetta, but not the voice.
http://operabritanniauk.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/verdi-la-traviata-metropolitan-opera-14th-april-2012/

CHICAGO

15.4.2012    Classical Review
COT’s young cast and lively production shine in Shostakovich’s charming “Moscow, Cheryomushki”
Read more

15.4.2012    Chicago Sun Times
Winsome, handsome singers sell satire by that wacky Shostakovich
Read more

15.4.2012    Chicago Tribune
COT’s Shostakovich a tangy blend of song and dance
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-ent-0416-moscow-review-20120415,0,6788171.column

HOUSTON

16.4.2012    Houston Press
Don Carlos from Houston Grand Opera: A Must-Hear
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2012/04/don_carlos.php

MINNESOTA

15.4.2012    TwinCities.com  Pioneer Press
A remarkable ‘Madame Butterfly’
http://www.twincities.com/entertainment/ci_20404385/remarkable-madama-butterfly

PARIS

12.4.2012    The Financial Times
Nixon in China, Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris

Though John Adams’ opera remains a curiously disjointed work, here it is rigorously executed and superbly acted

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/1f45e722-848e-11e1-b6f5-00144feab49a.html#axzz1rvy28BaN

NEW YORK

11.4.2012    The Financial Times
The Mikado, Carnegie Hall, New York

Featuring The Collegiato Choral and an inspired selection, this was a magical “Micado”
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/fe919a84-83c6-11e1-84ca-00144feab49a.html#axzz1rvy28BaN

TORONTO

11.4.2012    National Post
Opera review: The Tales of Hoffmann at the COC
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/04/11/opera-review-the-tales-of-hoffmann-at-the-coc-2/

11.4.2012    The Globe and Mail

Beautiful singing, but Tales of Hoffman are really musical sugar
Read more

11.4.2012    Toronto Sun

‘Tales’ is the operative word
Hoffmann stories great individually, but fail to come together into a whole
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/04/11/tales-is-the-operative-word

BERLIN

10.4.2012    The Financial Times
Lulu at the Schiller Theater
A gloomy, laboured production is enlivened by the music – which includes a new version of the third act
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/4937f4e0-82f8-11e1-929f-00144feab49a.html#axzz1rj1ZDVxH

GENF

10.4.2012    Musical Criticism.com
Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier
Grand Theatre de Geneve
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/geneva-rosenkavalier-0412.shtml

LONDON

10.4.2012    The Guardian
Rigoletto-review Royal Opera House
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/apr/10/rigoletto-review

NIZZA

4.4.2012    Musicologie.org
Un Tristan und Isolde de qualité
à l’Opéra de Nice
Tristan-Kritik in französischer Sprache
http://www.musicologie.org/publirem/un_tristan_und_isolde_de_qualite.html

CARDIFF

3.4.2012    The Guardian
8. Mahler – Mariinsky Opera/Gergiev – review. Millennium Centre, Cardiff
“Perhaps only a conductor of the stamina and commitment of Valery Gergiev would contemplate a performance of
Mahler’s 8th Symphony less than 24 hours after fininshing Wagner’s Parsifal.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/apr/03/mariinsky-opera-gergiev-review?newsfeed=true

ROM
Die Zauberflöte: Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, 27th March 2012
Read more

LONDON

1.4.2012    The Financial Times
Beyond Ballets Russes II, Coliseum, London
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/3fcd05e2-79c7-11e1-b87e-00144feab49a.html#axzz1qsWrEJDc

LONDON

2.4.2012    Evening Standard   

Rigoletto, Covent Garden – review
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/music/rigoletto-covent-garden–review-7607804.html

CARDIFF

1.4.2012    The Guardian
Parsifal review Millennium Centre, Cardiff
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/apr/01/parsifal-review?newsfeed=true

NEW YORK

1.4.2012    The New York Times
Encore at the Met Pleases the Audience
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/02/arts/music/encore-at-the-met-pleases-the-audience.html

CARDIFF

1.4.2012    The Arts Desk
Parsifal, Mariinsky Opera/Gergiev, Wales Millennium Centre
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/parsifal-mariinsky-operagergiev-wales-millennium-centre

LONDON

27.3.2012    The Guardian
Philharmonia/Lorin Maazel – review
Royal Festival Hall, London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/mar/27/philharmonia-lorin-maazel-britten-review

LONDON

28.3.2012    The Independent
Selten gespielte Händel-Oper “Riccardo Primo, Re d’Inghilterra”
Riccardo Primo, London Handel Orchestra/Cummings, Britten Theatre
Read more

NEW YORK

28.3.2012     The New York Times
A Striver Comes to an Ignoble End
Anna Netrebko in “Manon’ at Metropolitan Opera
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/arts/music/a-striver-comes-to-an-ignoble-end.html
Anna Netrebko adds glamour to bland Manon at the Metropolitan Opera
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2012/03/anna_netrebko_adds_glamour_to.html

“Manon’ Bores in New Met Staging With Diva Netrebko
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-28/-manon-bores-in-new-met-staging-with-diva-netrebko.html

New Met ‘Manon’ stars Netrebko, Beczala
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2012/03/27/national/a092754D14.DTL
Manon
http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city/reviews/03-2012/manon_53333.html

Denver
“Florencia en el Amazonas” von Daniel Catán
At Opera Colorado, a rare and appealing “Florencia,” sung in Spanish
http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_20253604

Kansas City
DiDonato sublime, profound in homecoming concert Mezzo-soprano gives a vibrant performance in “Joan of Arc.’
Read more

Norfolk, Virginia
Music review: Virginia Opera’s “Mikado’
Read more

Sidney
La Traviata, Reviewed by Peter McCallum
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/opera/la-traviata-20120325-1vsfj.html

Berlin
A New Production of ‘Jenufa’ Is Staged by Deutsche Oper Berlin
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/arts/21iht-loomis21.html

London
Philharmonia/Salonen/Lang Lang – review, Royal Albert Hall, London
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/mar/21/philharmonia-salonen-lang-lang-review

London/Milton Keynes
La traviata: Welsh National Opera, Milton Keynes Theatre
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/leisure/9604091.La_traviata__Welsh_National_Opera__Milton_Keynes_Theatre/

Dublin
Madama Butterfly
Different shades of Puccini’s most colourful opera
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2012/0321/1224313637057.html

New York
Weitere Review zur konzertanten Aufführung von “Notre Dame”
Music Review: From a Forgotten Composer, A Familiar Romantic Story
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/arts/music/notre-dame-franz-schmidts-opera-at-carnegie-hall.html

Houston
Il Trovatore from Opera in the Heights: Elemental, Volcanic, In-Your-Face Opera
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2012/03/il_trovatore.php
Electrifying leads spark OH’s ‘Il Trovatore’
http://www.chron.com/life/article/Electrifying-leads-spark-OH-s-Il-Trovatore-3421743.php

Sarasota
Sarasota Opera presents a handsome, mostly effective “Vanessa”
http://theclassicalreview.com/2012/03/sarasota-opera-presents-a-handsome-mostly-effective-vanessa/

Feuilleton
The opera novice: The Barber of Seville by Rossini
Not for nothing was the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini nicknamed Signor Crescendo, finds Sameer Rahim.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9155446/The-opera-novice-The-Barber-of-Seville-by-Rossini.html

Reykjavík
La bohème, Icelandic Opera, Reykjavik, review La bohème by Icelandic Opera at the Harpa concert hall in
Reykjavik cleverly overcame the limitations of the stage.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9154168/La-boheme-Icelandic-Opera-Reykjavik-review.html

New York
Strolling in the Park, Succumbing to Temptation City Opera’s “Così Fan Tutte’ at Gerald W. Lynch Theater
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/arts/music/city-operas-cosi-fan-tutte-at-gerald-w-lynch-theater.html
Opera night of the living dead draws blanks
Read more
New York City Opera serves up an intimate and compelling “Così”
http://theclassicalreview.com/2012/03/new-york-city-opera-serves-up-an-intimate-and-compelling-cosi/
New York City Opera gets it right with provocative, excellently cast “Cosi
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2012/03/new_york_city_opera_gets_it_ri.html

Macbeth-Nachzügler
Macbeth, Metropolitan Opera, New York
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/91944e1e-71af-11e1-b853-00144feab49a.html#axzz1peh8MyM9

Melbourne
The Rake’s Progress
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/opera/the-rakes-progress-20120319-1vflm.html
A devilishly pleasing journey into madness
Read more

Florenz
Anna Bolena: Florence, 15th March 2012
Read more

Glasgow
The art of being the devil: Stravinsky’s A Rake’s Progress
http://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/Article/294212,the-art-of-being-the-devil-stravinsky8217s-ia-rake8217s-progressi.aspx
The Rake’s Progress
http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/35594/the-rakes-progress

Franz Schmidt: Notre Dame konzertant
Victor Hugo In A New Guise
http://www.concertonet.com/scripts/review.php?ID_review=8274

Nachtrag “Macbeth” an der Met
Not great Scot! “Macbeth’ (mis)casts weak spell
Read more

Dallas
Review: The Lighthouse | Dallas Opera | Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre
A Beacon of Light
http://www.theaterjones.com/reviews/20120315171925/2012-03-17/Dallas-Opera/The-Lighthouse

New York/ Metropolitan Opera

Associated Press  16.3.

Nadja Michael makes Met debut in Verdi’s `Macbeth’
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2012/03/16/entertainment/e104713D61.DTL

The New York Times  16.3.
Sound and Fury, Set in the 20th Century
Verdi’s “Macbeth’ at the Metropolitan Opera
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/arts/music/verdis-macbeth-at-the-metropolitan-opera.html

Theater Mania  16.3.
Macbeth
http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city/reviews/03-2012/macbeth_52609.html

Chicago

Chicago Sun Times  16.3.
Riccardo Muti leads Cherubini’s Requiem with a sculptor’s hand
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/11339456-421/riccardo-muti-leads-cherubinis-requiem-with-a-sculptors-hand.html

Cardiff

Daily Post.co.uk  16.3.
Review: The Welsh National Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro at Venue Cymru
Read more

Birmingham

Birminngham Post  16.3.
Review: Beatrice and Benedict, Welsh National Opera at Birmingham Hippodrome
Read more

Leeds

pendletoday.co.uk   16.3.
Theatre Review: Madame Butterfly, The Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds
http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/lifestyle/theatre-review-madame-butterfly-the-grand-theatre-and-opera-house-leeds-1-4346839

Washington

The Washington Post  16.3.
Konzertanter Fidelio mit Melanie Diener, Simon O’Neil, Tomasz Konieczny und Eric Halfvarson
A festive “Fidelio’ from National Symphony Orchestra
Read more

London

The Telegraph  13.3.
Miss Fortune, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, review
This all-new opera at the Royal Opera House is a limping, flaccid non-starter
Read more

The Guardian  12.3.
Miss Fortune: Why I wrote a real-life soap opera
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/mar/12/miss-fortune-judith-weir?newsfeed=true

The Intependent  13.3.
Judith Weir Miss Fortune, Royal Opera House
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/judith-weir-miss-fortune-royal-opera-house-7564759.html

Brüssel

The New York Times   9.3.
Music review: Nymph Out of Water, Disturbing the Peace of City Dwellers
Stefan Herheim’s “Rusalka,’ at Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/10/arts/music/stefan-herheims-rusalka-at-theatre-royal-de-la-monnaie.html

London

The Telegraph  9.3.
The Barber of Seville, English Touring Opera, review
The Barber of Seville by English Touring Opera is an enjoyable traditional production, but it could have been pushed harder.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9134620/The-Barber-of-Seville-English-Touring-Opera-review.html

Manchester
St Thomas Choir, Leipzig – review
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/mar/09/st-thomas-choir-leipzig-review

Charleston
Opera Charleston debut superb with ‘Carmen’
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2012/mar/10/opera-charleston-debut-superb/

New York
Music Review: Peasant Pitted Against Soldier “L’Elisir d’Amore’ at the Metropolitan Opera
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/07/arts/music/lelisir-damore-at-the-metropolitan-opera.html
L’elisir d’amore, Metropolitan Opera, New York
Read more
Flórez, conductor elevate the Met’s silly and dated “Elisir”
http://theclassicalreview.com/2012/03/florez-conductor-elevate-the-mets-silly-and-dated-elisir/
Drink in “L’Elisir’
Read more

Chicago
Sopranistin Hui He als Aida
Chinese soprano’s exciting debut sparks Lyric’s second-cast “Aida”
http://chicagoclassicalreview.com/2012/03/chinese-sopranos-exciting-debut-sparks-lyrics-second-cast-aida/

Pisa
Mozart & Salieri/ Zanetto: Pisa, 29th February 2012
Read more

London
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Guildhall School at the Barbican, 3rd March 2012
Read more

Birmingham
Tristan und Isolde – review, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/mar/04/tristan-und-isolde-review-cbso?newsfeed=true

Muscat/Oman
JOSE CARRERAS BRINGS A NIGHT OF ROMANCE AT ROM SHOW
http://www.timesofoman.com/echoice.asp?detail=54286

New York
Chowantschina an der MET
Music Review: Fanaticism and Devotion in a Fragmented Russia “Khovanshchina’ at the Metropolitan Opera
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/29/arts/music/khovanshchina-at-the-metropolitan-opera.html
The Met’s Khovanshchina proves a bleak yet powerful experience
http://theclassicalreview.com/2012/02/the-mets-khovanshchina-proves-a-bleak-yet-powerful-experience/
Russian unrest, masterful music
http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/russian_unrest_masterful_music_Di94qDcfaX14XzHj8mpVnO

London
Royal Opera’s Rusalka greeted with chorus of boos
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9111807/Royal-Operas-Rusalka-greeted-with-chorus-of-boos.html
Rusalka, Royal Opera House, London
Read more
“It was like THE Olny Way is essex’ : How audience members walked out an booed the latest production at the Royal Opera House
Read more
Dvorak Rusalka, Royal Opera House
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/dvorak-rusalka-royal-opera-house-7451953.html
Royal Opera House’s Rusalka is ugly, but not radical
Boos greeted the first night of the production of Rusalka at Covent Garden; it fared little better on its Salzburg premiere in 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2012/feb/29/rusalka-is-ugly-not-radical?newsfeed=true

Palm Beach
Palm Beach Opera’s “Roméo et Juliette’ a solid performance at the Kravis
http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/arts/palm-beach-operas-romeo-et-juliette-a-solid-2199483.
Nicole Cabell shines brilliantly in Palm Beach Opera’s “Romeo et Juliette”
http://southfloridaclassicalreview.com/2012/02/nicole-cabell-shines-brilliantly-in-palm-beach-operas-romeo-et-juliette/

London
Death of Klinghoffer – review
Coliseum, London
While the place in the repertory for The Death of Klinghoffer remains unclear – does it belong in the opera house or, perhaps slightly modified, in the concert hall? – ENO’s production does underline its musical worth, and its timeless seriousness. It’s a major achievement.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/26/death-of-klinghoffer-review?newsfeed=true
Adams, The Death of Klinghoffer, English National Opera
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/adams-the-death-of-klinghoffer-english-national-opera-7441068.html
The Death of Klinghoffer, English National Opera
John Adams’s controversial opera not anti-Semitic – and not very good
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/death-klinghoffer-english-national-opera

Frankfurt/München
“Ring”-Produktionen Opera Review: German Operas Bank on Visual Effects
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/arts/22iht-loomis22.html

London
Ian Bostridge/ Angelika Kirchschlager mit Raritäten
The Bostridge Project, Wigmore Hall, London
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/136847a6-5c70-11e1-911f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1n6q0hEGZ

Ian Bostridge/Angelika Kirchschlager – review
“Figures from the Antique was the title of the latest instalment of the Wigmore’s Bostridge Project”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/21/ian-bostridge-angelika-kirchschlager

London
Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro
The Royal Opera
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-figaro-0212.shtml
Opera review: The Marriage of Figaro, Royal Opera House
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/303384/Opera-Review-The-Marriage-of-Figaro-Royal-Opera-House

Cardiff
Beatrice and Benedict, WNO, Wales Millennium Centre, review
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9095462/Beatrice-and-Benedict-WNO-Wales-Millennium-Centre-review.html
Beatrice and Benedict – review
Millennium Centre, Cardiff
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/20/beatrice-and-benedict-review-wno?newsfeed=true

New York
Erste Oper von Rufus Wainwright hatte in New York Premiere:
A Diva Haunted by Fame and Failure
“Prima Donna,’ by Rufus Wainwright, Makes American Debut
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/arts/music/prima-donna-by-rufus-wainwright-makes-american-debut.html
Rufus Wainwright’s ‘Prima Donna’: Major drama, done up in a sequined ball gown
http://musicmix.ew.com/2012/02/20/rufus-wainwright-opera-prima-donna/

Anchorage
Macbeth’ at Anchorage Opera was a gripping success
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/02/19/2033729/macbeth-at-anchorage-opera-was.html

Dallas/
Dallas Opera returns to ‘Tristan’
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/02/17/3743723/dallas-opera-returns-to-tristan.html#tvg

London
English National Opera faces protest over ‘pro-terrorist’ hijacking opera
It is one of the most controversial musical works ever written, described by critics as “anti-Semitic” and
“romanticising terrorism”.
Read more

Perth
Review: The Pearlfishers
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/-/entertainment/12951703/review-the-pearlfishers/

Cardiff
Beatrice and Benedict, Welsh National Opera
Berlioz’s last opera glows but stutters in an uneven Cardiff revival
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/beatrice-and-benedict-welsh-national-opera

London
Don Giovanni: The Royal Opera, 16th February 2012
The main reason for seeing this revival is undoubtedly the suave, sexy Don Giovanni of Erwin Schrott,
Read more
The Costume Collection des ROH online
http://www.rohcollections.org.uk/CollectionCostumes.aspx

Dallas
Opera Review: The Dallas Opera Brings Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde Into The 21st Century
Read more
Love Through Time and Space
The Dallas Opera’s production of Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde boldly goes where none has gone before.
http://www.theaterjones.com/reviews/20120216173339/2012-02-17/Dallas-Opera/Tristan-and-Isolde?sf3222361=1

Colorado
Spectacular ‘Figaro’ opens Opera Colorado season
http://www.dailycamera.com/music/ci_19984150

Karlsruhe
Review “Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe”. A Birthday Celebration in Germany
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/arts/15iht-loomis15.html

Tel Aviv
Opera Review: Jenufa
http://www.jpost.com/ArtsAndCulture/Entertainment/Article.aspx?id=257832

New York
“Hansel and Gretel’ Vanquish the Mean Witch
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/arts-entertainment/hansel-and-gretel-vanquish-the-mean-witch-191144.html

New Orleans
Placido Domingo returns to open the New Orleans Opera Association 2012-13 season http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2012/02/placido_domingo_returns_to_ope.html

Blu-ray-Review
IGOR STRAVINSKY: The Rake’s Progress (complete opera), Blu-ray (2011)
http://audaud.com/2012/02/igor-stravinsky-the-rakes-progress-complete-opera-blu-ray-2011/

London
Le nozze di Figaro, Royal Opera, Covent Garden, review
Mehr Info
Le nozze di Figaro
http://www.musicomh.com/opera/roh-figaro_0212.htm
Strong David McVicar revival of Mozart’s charmer is full of detail and darkness
Le Nozze di Figaro, Royal Opera House
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/le-nozze-di-figaro-royal-opera-house-0

Cardiff
La Traviata – review, Millennium Centre, Cardiff
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/13/la-traviata-review-wno?newsfeed=true

New York
Dancing to Deathbed, Traditionally City Opera Returns With Jonathan Miller’s “Traviata’
La Traviata an der New York City Opera
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/arts/music/city-opera-returns-with-jonathan-millers-traviata.html
New York City Opera ‘La Traviata’ eerily invokes Whitney Houston
Mehr Info
Laquita Mitchell’s extraordinary Violetta gets New York City Opera back on track
Mehr Info

San Diego
Getting ‘Moby-Dick’ opera up and sailing
Tenor Ben Heppner and composer Jake Heggie discuss the challenges of bringing Herman Melville’s American classic
to San Diego’s Civic Theatre.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-moby-dick-20120214,0,7743681.story

Washington
Virginia Opera presents Philip Glass’s “Orphee’ at George Mason University
Mehr Info

Denver
Opera Colorado’s “Marriage of Figaro” will make you think about love… and then again
http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_19949360

Sidney
Review: Opera Australia’s Turandot, Sydney Opera House
http://northside.whereilive.com.au/lifestyle/story/review-opera-australias-turandot-sydney-opera-house/

London
Weitere Reviews zum Hoffmann an der ENO
The Tales of Hoffmann, English National Opera
Mehr Info
Tales of Hoffman, ENO, London Coliseum, review
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9078901/Tales-of-Hoffman-ENO-London-Coliseum-review.html

Princeton/ Music Review
Prokofiev Version of “Eugene Onegin’ in a Russian Weekend at Princeton
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/arts/music/prokofiev-version-of-eugene-onegin-at-princeton.html

Los Angeles
Opera review: Placido Domingo in L.A. Opera’s ‘Simon Boccanegra’
Mehr Info 

Sammelreview zu Oper/Konzerte in London
Così fan tutte; Dream Hunter; Commotio; Stephen Hough, LPO/Alsop – review
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/12/cosi-tutte-dream-hunter-review?newsfeed=true

New York
Kyle Ketelsen and Bryn Terfel Step in as Leporello in Metropolitan Opera’s DON GIOVANNI
Mehr Info

San Francisco
Review: Ensembel Parallèlle’s opulent ‘Gatsby’ lacks excitement
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_19944255
John Harbison’s opera thrives in chamber version
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_19944255

London
Tales of Hoffmann, English National Opera
A kitsch fantasy of a production brings the best out of Offenbach’s opera
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/tales-hoffmann-english-national-opera
The Tales of Hoffmann: English National Opera
10th February 2012
Mehr Info

London
La Fanciulla del West, Opera UpClose, and La Traviata, Merry Opera Company, review
The austerity phenomenon of opera popping up in pubs continues to gather momentum.
Mehr Info

New York
To Betray Her Love or Her Country?
Aida an der Met mit Marcelo Álvarez and Violeta Urmana
“Aida’ at the Metropolitan Opera
Mehr Info
Variable singing and empty spectacle make for a less-than-stellar Met “Aida”
Mehr Info
Stephanie Blythe redeems mediocre Met `Aida’
Mehr Info

London
Opera Review: Cosi fan tutte, Royal Opera House
Weiteres zu Cosi fan tutte am ROH und Rosenkavalier an der ENO
Mehr Info
London
Opera Review: Der Rosenkavalier, English National Opera
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/300492/Opera-review-Der-Rosenkavalier-English-National-Opera

New York
The Machine in the Garden
Thoughts on the new “Ring” — and on the state of Peter Gelb’s Metropolitan.
http://nymag.com/arts/classicaldance/classical/reviews/metropolitan-opera-davidson-2012-2/

Houston
Not easy to watch, but HGO’s passionate The Rape of Lucretia has thrilling moments
http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/02-05-12-houston-grand-opera-rape-of-lucretia-review/

Wichita
“Il Trovatore” powerfully opens Wichita Grand Opera’s season
http://www.kansas.com/2012/02/05/2204217/il-trovatore-powerfully-opens.html

London/Dvoraks Oper “Der Jakobiner” konzertant in London:
The Jacobin – review
Apart from Rusalka, Dvořák’s operas are rarely revived outside the Czech Republic.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/feb/05/the-jacobin-review?newsfeed=true
BBCSO/Bělohlávek
http://www.musicomh.com/classical/barbican-jacobin_0212.htm

New York/Ernani an der MET
One Fair Maiden, an Army of Suitors and That Old Foil, Honor – Angela Meade in “Ernani’ at
Metropolitan Opera
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/04/arts/music/angela-meade-in-ernani-at-metropolitan-opera.html
Met’s “Ernani” revival proves a variable bag of Verdi
http://theclassicalreview.com/2012/02/mets-ernani-revival-proves-a-variable-bag-of-verdi/
Rising star Angela Meade in Met Opera’s `Ernani’
Mehr Info
Lukewarm & earnest “Ernani’
Mehr Info

London
Der Rosenkavalier, ENO, Coliseum, review
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9057404/Der-Rosenkavalier-ENO-Coliseum-review.html

London
Philharmonia/Masur, Festival Hall – review
It is some time since he achieved Grand Old Man status but Kurt Masur’s appearances in London now have a special aura.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-24033164-philharmoniamasur-festival-hall—review.do

San Diego
Opera review: ‘Salome’ holds the eyes, ears in bold San Diego Opera staging
Mehr Info

London
Der Rosenkavalier, ENO, Coliseum, review
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9057404/Der-Rosenkavalier-ENO-Coliseum-review.html

London
Philharmonia/Masur, Festival Hall – review
It is some time since he achieved Grand Old Man status but Kurt Masur’s appearances in London now have a special aura.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-24033164-philharmoniamasur-festival-hall—review.do

San Diego
Opera review: ‘Salome’ holds the eyes, ears in bold San Diego Opera staging
Mehr Info

Paris
Only the excellent singing saves this production – an opera based on Chekhov’s Cherry Orchard – from becoming a total fiasco
Neue Oper nach Tschechows “Kirschgarten” von Philippe Fénelon La Cerisaie, Paris Opera (Garnier)
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/c1bbdcd8-4c11-11e1-b1b5-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1lDvAjIWC

Moskau
Russia’s shiny new Bolshoi grappling with gripes
Kritisches Resümee der ersten Monate nach der Wiedereröffnung des Bolschoi
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/01/uk-russia-bolshoi-gripes-idUSLNE81003720120201

New York
Dead Ringer: Robert Lepage’s Götterdämmerung Leaves Something To Be Desired, Echoes Zeffirelli Spectacles
Mehr Info

Zürich
‘Meistersinger,’ Wagner’s Heart-Warming Opera
Engl. Kritik zu den “Meistersingern” in Zürich
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/arts/01iht-loomis01.html

London
Il Prigioniero, Philharmonia, Festival Hall/ Wagner Dream, BBC SO, Barbican, review
Mehr Info

Royal Opera House, London
Così Fan Tutte – review
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jan/31/cosi-fan-tutte-review?newsfeed=true

New York
An Early Wagner, but With All the Trademark Bells and Whistles
Weitere Review zum konzertanten Rienzi
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/arts/music/wagners-rienzi-from-opera-orchestra-at-avery-fisher-hall.html

Boston/ Barockopernrarität
Helios Early Opera’s Charpentier; plus, the BSO’s Mendelssohn Lobgesang
Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s “David et Jonathas”
http://thephoenix.com/boston/music/133370-helios-early-operas-charpentier-plus-the-bsos-/

Houston
HGO, soprano do ‘La Traviata’ justice “La Traviata is why opera was invented”
http://www.chron.com/life/article/HGO-soprano-do-La-Traviata-justice-2881670.php

28.1.2012
A “Ring’ Finale of Gods and the Machine
At Metropolitan Opera, Lepage’s “Götterdämmerung’
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/arts/music/robert-lepages-gotterdammerung-at-the-met-review.html
“Götterdämmerung” closes the Met’s Ring strongly with big questions still in twilight
http://theclassicalreview.com/2012/01/gotterdammerung-closes-the-mets-ring-strongly-with-big-questions-in-twilight/
Götterdämmerung
http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city/reviews/01-2012/gandoumltterdandaumlmmerung_48908.html

London
Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier, English National Opera
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/strauss-der-rosenkavalier-english-national-opera-6296379.html

David McVicar and Edward Gardner deliver a riveting account of Strauss’s popular opera
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/der-rosenkavalier-english-national-opera

Strauss: Rosenkavalier, English National Opera
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-rosenkavalier-0112.shtml

Leeds
Norma – review
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jan/29/norma-opera-review?newsfeed=true

Glasgow
Into the woods with Scottish Opera’s Hansel And Gretel
http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/music/into-the-woods-with-scottish-operas-hansel-and-gretel.1327806445

Dallas
Will You Watch the Dallas Opera’s “Magic Flute’ At Cowboys Stadium?
http://frontrow.dmagazine.com/2012/01/will-you-watch-the-dallas-operas-magic-flute-at-cowboys-stadium/

Glasgow
Betrothal in a Monastery – review- Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Prokofjews “Die Verlobung im Kloster” in einer Koproduktion von Scottish Opera u. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Englisch) http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jan/23/betrothal-in-a-monastery-review?newsfeed=true
Betrothal in a Monastery
Scottish Opera’s production communicates a flair for comedy and character that reveals the stature – and charm – of Prokofiev’s opera
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9593821a-45ad-11e1-acc9-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1kNHySvcV

London
Bryn Terfel’s Faenol Festival to be revived – in London
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/01/24/bryn-terfel-s-faenol-festival-to-be-revived-in-london-91466-30183952/

Chicago
Giordani and a worthy cast belatedly ignite the Lyric Opera’s “Aida”
Aida an der Lyric Opera of Chicago mit Sondra Radvanovsky and Marcello Giordani (Englisch) ‎
http://theclassicalreview.com/2012/01/giordani-and-a-worthy-cast-belatedly-ignite-the-lyric-operas-aida/
The spectacle — and the singing — make Lyric’s ‘Aida’ grand
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/ct-ent-0123-aida-review-20120123,0,2627148.column
“Aida’ star’s stamina enviable but intimacy lacking
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/stage/10168438-421/aida-stars-stamina-enviable-but-intimacy-lacking.html
“AIDA” (Lyric Opera): Epic Love Story Stuns!
http://www.chicagonow.com/the-fourth-walsh/2012/01/aida-lyric-opera-epic-love-story-stuns/

New York
The Enchanted Island, Metropolitan Opera Live in HD, review
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/9032518/The-Enchanted-Island-Metropolitan-Opera-Live-in-HD-review.html

London
Weitere Reviews zum Don Giovanni am Royal Opera House
http://www.opera-britannia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=632:don-giovanni-the-royal-opera-21st-january-2012&catid=8:opera-reviews&Itemid=16
Don Giovanni, Covent Garden – review
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-24030023-don-giovanni-covent-garden—review.do

Toronto
Review: Adrianne Pieczonka’s Tosca the best thing in COC’s production of Puccini classic
Weitere “Tosca”-Reviews (Englisch)
http://www.thestar.com/article/1119394–review-adrianne-pieczonka-s-tosca-the-best-thing-in-coc-s-production-of-puccini-classic
A toast to Tosca
Simple telling of timeless tale highlights stunning performances, orchestration
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/01/22/a-toast-to-tosca

Memphis
Review: Opera Memphis bats 1,000 with ‘Fledermaus’
Operatic technique, humor abound
“Die Fledermaus” zu Gast in Tennessee (Englisch)
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/23/opera-memphis-bats-1000-with-fledermaus

London
Mozart, Don Giovanni, Royal Opera House
Mit Gerald Finley, Don Giovanni, Adam Plachetka als Masetto (Englisch)
Mehr Info
(Zitat) “Adam Plachetka revealed a sonorous bass-baritone as Masetto
and was one of the few singers onstage whom I want to hear again”
http://www.musicomh.com/opera/roh-giovanni_0112.htm
(Zitat) „Adam Plachetka’s dark-toned Masetto was a pleasant surprise“
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/don-giovanni-royal-opera-house

Leeds u.a.
“Giulio Cesare; Wye Valley chamber music festival; Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Karabits – review” – Sammelrezension, u.a. Opera North “Giulio Cesare” (Englisch)
Mehr Info

Toronto
Canadian Opera Company: Adrianne Pieczonka as Tosca
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/01/22/opera-review-cocs-tosca/

Utah
„No clowning around in Utah Opera’s exciting “Rigoletto’”
Mehr Info 

Birmingham
Meistersinger konzertant mit Wolfgang Koch als Sachs (Englisch)
Mehr Info

Verdis “Attila” in Seattle
(Englisch)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120115/BLOG39/120119877#%22Attila%22-invades-Seattle-Opera
http://oregonmusicnews.com/2012/01/18/seattle-operas-attila-boils-over-with-revenge-political-intrigue-and-love/
Selbst starker Schneefall kann “Attila” nichts anhaben! “Attila conquers Seattle snow” (Englisch)
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120118/BLOG39/120119812
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artspage/2017272807_must_the_show_go_on.html

Sidney
“Turandot” in Sidney
(Englisch)
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/curtaincall/2012/01/19/review-turandot-opera-theatre-sydney/
Spectacular Turandot still sings
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/spectacular-turandot-still-sings/story-fn9d31nx-1226247972264

New York
“Faust” with Calleja /Metropolitan Opera (Jan.2012)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/16/arts/music/faust-with-joseph-calleja-at-the-met-review.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimesmusic&seid=auto

Soll es mehr Computeranimation und digitale Effekte im Theater geben? (Englisch)http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2012/jan/16/theatre-more-imagination-animation

Kritik über “Tosca” an der Met mit Alagna (Englisch)
Mehr Info

Neuigkeiten von Cecilia Bartoli für 1. Halbjahr 2012 (Englisch)
Mehr Info

BAYREUTH: TANNHÄUSER – Premiere
Rezension der Premiere 25.7.)in portugiesischer Sprache
http://www.concerto.com.br/textos.asp?id=235

London/ Covent Garden: IL TRITTICO von Giacomo Puccini am 13.9.2011
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/review-23986305-il-trittico-covent-garden—review.do

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA. “Der Ring de Nibelungen”  – 14.6. – 19.6.2011
The San Francisco Opera has just presented its sixth “Ring Cycle” and the big star in this recent production was the Swedish soprano NINA STEMME
in the role of Brünnhilde. She continued to maintain San Francisco Opera’s earlier high Brünnhilde standards set by such stars as KIRSTEN FLAGSTAD in 1934, and BIRGIT NILSSON in 1972, in which Nilsson’s made her American debut. Then in 1985 and again in 1990, came GWYNETH JONES’s greatly lauded Brünnhilde performances in two different “Ring” productions. And in1990, JANE EAGLEN presented another superior Brünnhilde performance.
In addition to Nina Stemme’s outstanding Brünnhilde performance, the San Francisco Opera’s “Ring” also featured other remarkable aspects. Much of its shared staging had initially been created by the Washington National Opera. The germination of this collaboration perhaps began in 2003 when Washington Opera’s Music Director PLACIDO DOMINGO and stage designer FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO created an unusual”Die Walküre”. The production was staged in Washington DC’s cavernous Constitution Hall auditorium because its regular Kennedy Center Opera House was undergoing renovations. The orchestra was positioned at the back of the stage, hidden by a scrim. Its conductor HEINZ FRICKE, who was giving the singers their cues, could only be seen on screens that were positioned over the hall’s exit doors. Obviously, it was a challenging production and a lot was learned from it.
By 2006, the Washington Opera decided to do its first “Ring Cycle”, and began with “Das Rheingold”. Domingo again invited Francesca Zambello to assist him in its staging. The production introduced video insertions that enhanced the musical interludes such as a flowing stream simulating an undulating Rhine river. Zambello attempted to convey the gods’ world filled with graft and corruption, equating it with a modern American flavoring. In one scene, for example. Wotan appeared at a large modern desk with a telephone on it, discussing Valhalla’s future with Fricka. With the success of “Das Rheingold”, the Washington Opera revised its “Walk üre”, and Zambello forged it into a more creative version in which, for example, the Valkyrie ladies slid down steel wire cables to deliver white wrapped dead heroes to the gods at Valhalla.

In 2009, Washington created “Siegfried,” the third in the four opera sequence, and once again Zambello assisted in its staging. A dilapidated trailer served as Siegfried’s home; and when Siegfried goes to kill Fafner the dragon, Fafner appeared as a huge iron contraption with terrifying large steel claws. After Siegfried kills the dragon, Fafner’s blood flowed like oil. Later meets up with a pathetic Wotan and finally bursts through Brünnhilde’s burning fire to awaken her.

About two years ago, the San Francisco Opera began plans for its new”Ring Cycle”. At this point, Francesca Zambello had for many years served as San Francisco Opera’s Artistic Advisor and had been involved with some twenty San Francisco Opera productions. She of course was well acquainted with the three”Ring”operas that she and the Washington Opera had staged, and also was aware that Washington’s “Götterdämmerung” had not yet been mounted. A collaborative joint effort soon evolved when San Francisco Opera officials decided to introduce the Washington Opera’s first three “Ring” opera productions which would adequately serve their needs, and they would then produce their own San Francisco production of “Götterdämmerung”. – and of course hire the casts for all of the four operas. By May of this year everything was completed. 26 huge trucks loads of scenery and costumes had been transported from Washington, DC to San Francisco. Earlier, video tapes had been edited down from the 100 hours of taping. And San Francisco’s stage crew of 115 helped prepare for the opening June Ring Cycle. Some 76 singers and 50 extras would also enhance their new “Gotterdammerung” production.

This San Francisco Ring offering was an overwhelming success. As mentioned, NINA STEMME was its great star, and it was to be her initial debut in that role of Brünnhilde. She excelled in the three different Ring” operas in which she appeared, and by far was the most statuesque of the Valkyrie sisters. Her relationship with Wotan was tenderly conveyed even though she had been punished by Wotan and knew she no longer possessed a godly status; she still showed him love as an obedient submissive child. In her “fire” awakening scene, she at first seemed somewhat hesitant. (Two decades is a long time to sleep.) Soon her ecstatic joy of waking to Siegfried’s amorous reactions stirred things up. Then, in “Götterdämmerung”, she showed the depths of her soul as she anguished over Siegfried’s tricked marriage arrangement. Throughout, her voice was brilliant, clear, bright, refreshingly smooth and majestic. Indeed here was an historic performance!

Like Brünnhilde, Wotan, the King of the gods, also appears as a central figure in three of the four operas. Wotan was sung by MARK DELAVAN. In his portrayal, he conveyed the torture of a guilt ridden man whose crooked dealings and a lust for power eventually spelt his doom. His farewell scene with Brünnhilde was tenderly moving. However, in one or two places, his beautiful baritone voice was not grandiose enough. Also, it was obvious that he suffered from his annoying, nagging wife Fricka. ELIZABETH BISHOP appeared in the Fricka role. Here she assertively conveyed her highly motivated defense of wedded vows, battling Wotan over the incestuous love affair of twins, Sieglinde and Siegmund. Vocally and dramatically she won this battle. In contrast to Fricka’ assertive demands, the twins’ sweet, romantic love duet was an enchanting relief. ANJA KAMPE, as Sieglinde, conveyed a sweet, nicely projected voice. BRANDON JOVANOVICH with his handsome blonde Nordic appeal, also possessed a beautifully focused tenor voice that added to their tender portrayal.
Alberich, as sung assertively by GORDON HAWKINS, was another of the major characters who appeared in three of the four operas. The bass baritone very adequately performed his villainous role, robbing the maidens of their gold, brutalizing his slaving cave workers and bewitching those who sought to possess his gold ring that he designed..
The role of Siegfried also represents a major role in the “Ring”. However, in this San
Francisco Opera staging, there were two tenors who tackled the demanding role. Initially, the British heldentenor IAN STOREY was scheduled to appear in both “Siegfried” and “Götterdämmerung”. However, at an early April rehearsal, Storey, who was singing the role for the first time, felt he was not ready to do the two operas. His tenor understudy, JAY HUNTER MORRIS, then agreed to sing the title role in”Siegfried” and Storey agreed to perform the Siegfried role in the Göttterdämmerung” production. Morris’s portrayal displayed a fine lyrical voice. However, in Storey’s performance, his voice in Second Act of “Götterdämmerung” floundered and was somewhat muffled. An announcement was made before Act III began that Storey was suffering from throat disorder, but with the help of some medicine, he would carry on. The pills must have helped because his clear vibrant tenor voice was eventually beautifully displayed.
Overlooking this one brief difficult moment, most of the singers excelled. In “Das Rheingold”, for example, STEFAN MARGITA, in the role of Loge, the Fire God, displayed one of the finest voices in the entire Ring. His voice resounded beautifully and penetrated clearly through out the opera house. RONNITA MILLER, who appeared as the Earth Goddess Erda, was another outstanding singer. Her lower notes were fantastic. She also appeared as one of the Valkyries. Then there were the two giant brothers Fasolt and Fafner, sung by bass ANDRES SILVESTRELLI and bass baritone DANIEL SUMEGI, who both eventually die because of their Ring ownership. Each fulfilled their dramatic and vocal demands splendidly. In “Das Rheingold”, their stilted giant platform boots and enlarged gloved hands had a humorous affect. Later, in “Götterdämmerung”, (a generation later) Silvestrelli appeared in the role of Alberich’s son Hagen. Once again he sang with assertive vocal finesse, displaying a forceful portrayal. As Hagen, he bedded his step sister Gutrune. ( Gutrune was finely enacted by MELISSA CITRO.) Later Hagen murders Siegfried and then kills his own half-brother Gunther. Gunther was sensitively performed by the baritone GERD GROCHOWSKI. He appeared as a handsome blonde suitor and proved to be a fine actor, with a beautifully projected voice. In “Siegfried”, the role of Mime was cleverly sung by DAVID CANGELOSI and his added successful cartwheels will long be remembered. And in the same opera, STACEY TAPPEN’s sweet voice performed the fluffy role of the Forest Bird, and also provided an extra delightful visual addition in her red pants suit.
Of course there were other high moments like the wonderful”Ride of the Vaklyries” where the eight Valkyries ladies descended from above in parachutes, wearing caps with goggles, adding just another modern touch. The Valkyries ladies were sung by CYBELE GOUVERNEUR, DAVEDA KARANAS, SARA GARLAND, TAMARA WAPINSKY, MAYA LAHYANI, RENEE TATUM, LAUREN MCNEES. and of course Nina Stemme.
Throughout the four allegorical operas, visual impressions matched Wagner’s musical motifs, augmenting the intensity of the drama. At the opening of “Das Rheingold”, for example, the murmuring double bass hushed tones were matched visually by an accompanying video projection focused on a screen that featured a serene flowing river with its peaceful blue rippling water that quietly accompanied the primordial Rhine leitmotif. And then, when the curtain rose, the three cheerful Rhine maidens – STACEY TAPPAN, LAUREN Mc NEES and RENÉE TATUM – bounced about the stage in the steamy illusive Rhine mist and begin to tease Alberich. Later, as the mis-guided gods pursue their greedy quests, we see on a video screen the once beautiful flowing Rhine visually clogged as a dried up stream.

Throughout the four operas, as reoccurring leitmotifs re-occur, video images matched the music, gradually conveying, more and more, a pessimistic view of the declining dying days of the gods.. These visual images were viewed through a modern day prism. Siegmund and Sieglinde’s pristine forest turned into a burned out devastated waste land. A once scenic landscape became junk yard filled with worn out car tires. Unattached electric wires hang loosely; a railroad tank car rushed along a track to no where, conveying a feeling of uselessness. A blue steel chimney, over looking a power plant, spewed out black smoky soot, intensifying the message of the gods’ final days.
The variety of modern day visual images and stage sets, according to Zambello’s designs, perhaps were used to peak our own subjective view of today’s failing morality. In “Das Rheingold”, Wotan’s modern office with its grandiose glass window, features a skyscraper view of a city like New York as seen from above, as if viewed from Valhalla. Then, in “Götterdämmerung”, in Hagen’s spectacular living room with its gigantic slanted glass window positioned into a shiny chrome encasement, the setting conveyed a phony flavor of modern richness.
Of course, the orchestra, conducted by DONALD RUNNICLES, provided the very essential support that was so necessary. Throughout, the orchestra accompaniment was superb due to Runnicles’s outstanding grasp of the score, tempi and its dramatic momentum. Runnicles had been the Opera Company’s principal conductor for the past eighteen years, and had directed the Company’s last two “Ring Cycles”. One could only fault one or two tricky French Horn entrances, which is understandable since much of the score features Wagner’s richly embellished brass orchestration. It also was very apparent that Runnicles was great audience favorite because at the conclusion of each opera, he receiving a rousing overwhelmingly warmhearted acknowledgment.
In the final moments of “Götterdämmerung”, after Brünnhilde has laid the dead Siegfried on the funeral pyre , and before she too dies on the pyre, her expiation becomes complete when she returns the golden ring to the original the Rhinemaidens. And Valhalla had been relegated to ashes. Then, a small child, dressed in a white gown, appeared on the stage carrying a branch of a tree. And then planted it. ( Was this a branch from an apple tree that Freia the goddess of youth has once nurtured? Or perhaps maybe it was a branch from the Ash Tree that Wotan once had forged for his magical wand?) So, here was a child planting a new tree, perhaps symbolizing the beginning of a new world order. Perhaps the world would no longer be engulf by greed and corruption. Perhaps, according to this San Francisco staged offering, perhaps there might be hope for a up lifting, bright, caring new redeeming world.

Nancy Lang.
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Vienna State Opera (June 2011)
The New York Times /Katja Kabanova
Janacek opera in Vienna depressingly enjoyable
http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/article_dbe8a95e-5441-50ba-a69a-960975390bd0.html

London
Werther, Royal Opera House, review – May 2011
By the end of a tense first night the audience was reminded why Rolando Villazon caused such a sensation when he first appeared on the scene. Rating: * * *
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/8498563/Werther-Royal-Opera-House-review.html

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