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Manfred Schweigkofler's production places the drama in a surreal, timeless atmosphere at the Teatro San Carlo. 

Christof Loy’s thoughtful staging enlightens the character of the protagonists in Sophocles’ tale of matricide; Sir Antonio Pappano extracts great nuance and beauty from Strauss’ score.

Richard Jones' setting is superb in its bare minimalism, but he pays great attention to all the psychological nuances in Janáček's opera. 

A new, insightful production by Robert Carsen gives life to Handel’s early oratorio at the Salzburg Whitsun Festival, with a magnificent cast led by Cecilia Bartoli.

If you have dismissed this opera as overstuffed kitsch in the past, you might want to take a look at this production. It could well change your mind.

A terrific cast, led by soprano Celine Byrne and conducted by Patrik Ringborg deliver a compelling and thrilling performance of Korngold's Die tote Stadt.

Widmann packs everything into Babylon – from classical arias to dissonant clusters, military marches, film music and a few chamber music moments.

Jürgen Flimm bowed out of his role as Intendant of the Berlin State Opera with the German premiere of Salvatore Sciarrino's Ti vedo, ti sento, mi perdo.

The profusion of images and ideas in Frank Castorf's Bavarian Staatsoper production of From the House of the Dead threatens to rob Janáček's opera of its humanity.

The work takes its inspiration from the life of the little known Italian composer Alessandro Stradella who ended his life stabbed by killers sent by the husbands of his innumerable mistresses.

Luis Buñuel's derision at the sense of entitlement of over-privileged, self-righteous prigs shines through a high quality operatic adaptation.

A strong, compelling staging – coherent in aesthetic and philosophy, if a little restrained in performance. 

Despite the black and white palate, this Makropulos Case has plenty of color. Nadja Michael heads the cast with her fiery portrayal of Elina Makropulos, and conductor Mikahil Tatrnikov makes a triumphant San Francisco Opera debut in the pit.

Strong musical performances, but Ivo Van Hove’s Powerpoint presentation of Clemenza at the Teatr Wielki is out of focus.

Handel's Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno at the Berliner Staatsoper with Les Musiciens du  Louvre Grenoble.

The Stepford wife, the doubting priest, the guilt-ridden adulteress, the family black sheep and the outsted, suicidal CEO:  staples in television dramas but surprising finds in Handel oratorio.