Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | English | Roberto Aronica

Sydney may possess the most iconic opera house in the world, but Opera Australia ventured outdoors once more for a successful rock 'n' roll-themed Carmen on Cockatoo Island, with a stage positioned at water's edge.

Strong singing but a stellar orchestra and staging make for a riveting production at the Kennedy Center. 

An impressive performance of Verdi's masterpiece Un ballo in maschera based on of the original libretto.

Tenor-turned-director José Cura transplants the action from southern Italy to Buenos Aires. 

A star-turn from Ermonela Jaho as Puccini's heroine. 

A movie-like staging for Puccini's most original opera at the Teatro San Carlo.

 “The Minghella Butterfly” has physically lost none of its luster, but the singing did not live up to the staging.

An able cast sings in Christof Loy’s non-interventionist and insightful production of Verdi’s panoramic tragedy, conducted with vivid detail by Michele Mariotti.

La Scala might not have had all the right cards in its garter Tuesday night to prevent ending up holding aces and spaces, but it’s hard to play without a full deck in the first place.

Visually traditional, this Norma often indulged on the most predictable aspects of Vincenzo Bellini’s opera, unfortunately missing the opportunity of bringing a bigger audience to the theatre and showcasing the vastness of Italian opera. 

In this production of Andrea Chénier, love, liberty, revolution and death are all ingredients to create strong emotions: with a final ovation for the conductor.