Performer: Vitali Rozynko

John Butt’s revisitation of the Handel oratorio Samson at the Halle Handel Festival displayed this treasured work in an illuminating and satisfying light.

As the first non-Russian orchestra to tackle a complete Semyon Kotko, the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic gave a tension-propelled performance under the inspired leadership of Vladimir Jurowski.

Annemarie Kremer is a strong-willed, dramatically voiced Butterfly in Laurence Dale’s sensitive production.