Composer: Adams, John (b. 1947)

Mass hysteria, Schiller’s Ode to Joy and Wild Nights – a heady mix for this year’s opening night of the BBC Proms from Edward Gardner and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The fascinating politics of this opera are diminished by the presentation of just four scenes. The music and three strong performances almost make up as Sydney gets its first taste of this work.

At the Barbican last night, Gerald Finley, John Adams and the BBC Symphony Orchestra combined to deliver the heaviest operatic punch I’ve been subjected to all year.

It was a successful program that showed off the considerable range of a talented and charming troupe.

Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic somewhat overpower the hall for the music of John Adams, Esa-Pekka Salonen's concerto fascinates on a first hearing.