Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | English | Les Vêpres siciliennes (I vespri siciliani)

In the Italian version of Verdi's French grand opéra, Emma Dante updates the action from 1282 to the organised crime of the Sicilian Mafia. 

A somewhat disappointing new production by Hugo de Ana brings I vespri siciliani back to La Scala, where Fabio Luisi leads a successful musical production with a great cast.

David Pountney completes his “Verdi trilogy” for the company but although his staging has fluidity, it lacks an explosive ending... and the vocal performances disappoint. 

Living in an environment influenced by French culture, Verdi saw the chance of breathing new life into the Italian opera through the grand-opéra. Les Vêpres siciliennes is his successful attempt.

A mural depicting Etna erupting is the only hint of Sicily in Stefan Herheim’s opulent staging, returning to Covent Garden for the first time since the Royal Opera’s Verdi bicentenary celebrations in 2013. 

A concert of many virtues, laying bare Verdi's music only made it better. James Conlon conducts I vespri siciliani in Madrid.