Orfeo ed Euridice at Cadogan Hall

The two masses in this intriguing and very enjoyable programme made a thought-provoking contrast. Stravinsky was anxious that his mass be cold – indeed, as the bass singer Simon Scott Plummer’s useful programme notes told us, he wanted the music ‘very cold, absolutely cold, that will appeal directly to the spirit.

Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria tells one of the world’s great stories. This production is a treat for early opera fans and a great introduction for those new to the genre.

Symphonie Altlantique, a period orchestra composed of young professional musicians based in The Hague, gave a very engaging performance of Handel’s Giulio Cesare at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. 

An updated Orfeo and Eurydice at Buxton sees Orpheus as an ageing rocker, too distracted by adoring groupies to notice Eurydice. However, one piece of casting was an unsolvable conundrum. 

Dans un concert qui est allé crescendo, l’Orchestre symphonique national de la radio polonaise et sa cheffe Marin Alsop ont mis en lumière leur répertoire dans la capitale européenne.

Eine spannende Inszenierung und das Orchester in Topform sorgen für beglückende Premierenmomente. Schade, dass ausgerechnet der Interpret der Titelrolle stark enttäuscht.