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Joyful, enthusiastic singing, dancing and music combined for a very entertaining The Merry Widow with delightfully cast lead roles. 

Charming and hilarious by turn, this production fields a largely young and Kiwi cast.

Though occasionally entertaining, this production was ultimately unsatisfying as a stage presentation of Bernstein’s work. 

New Zealand Opera continues to strongly advocate Czech works, resulting in a gripping Káťa Kabanová.

La Cenerentola is the final component of Opera North's fairytale season, with every voice and every character getting a chance to revel in Rossini's intricate ornamentation.

A solid Magic Flute from the performers but marred by the director's foibles. 

The RNCM's beautiful production of Lehar’s The Merry Widow is the perfect musical accompaniment to the festive season. 

A mixed evening, more notable for the efforts of the cast than for Brodie's modern Don Giovanni concept.

The sole complete opera contribution to Wagner’s anniversary in Auckland this year came in the form of New Zealand Opera’s production of Der fliegende Holländer. This was the first staged performance of a Wagner opera in Auckland for over 20 years (though we’ve had a few in concert), and it is a pleasure to report that New Zealand Opera welcomed the master back with a fascinating performance.

The evening begins with La Voix Humaine: “Elle” is staring at us fixedly for what seems like a minute, smoke from the cigarette in her fingers providing the only movement. She sits in an oblong frame surrounded by light bulbs, indicating a substantial mirror of the sort you might find backstage. The orchestra begins, and the music is edgy.