Orfeo ed Euridice at Cadogan Hall

The two masses in this intriguing and very enjoyable programme made a thought-provoking contrast. Stravinsky was anxious that his mass be cold – indeed, as the bass singer Simon Scott Plummer’s useful programme notes told us, he wanted the music ‘very cold, absolutely cold, that will appeal directly to the spirit.

Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria tells one of the world’s great stories. This production is a treat for early opera fans and a great introduction for those new to the genre.

Symphonie Altlantique, a period orchestra composed of young professional musicians based in The Hague, gave a very engaging performance of Handel’s Giulio Cesare at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. 

An updated Orfeo and Eurydice at Buxton sees Orpheus as an ageing rocker, too distracted by adoring groupies to notice Eurydice. However, one piece of casting was an unsolvable conundrum. 

The enterprising forces of Opera Settecento brought the nearly forgotten music of Hasse's Demetrio to the Cadogan Hall, and in the process showed that this composer can easily match his more popular contemporaries.

A pasticcio not seen since 1725, Elpidia contains some excellent music... even if it isn't by Handel!