Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | April Koyejo-Audiger

Blue could hardly have been better rendered than here. Indeed, I wish every opera I see could be staged with such grace and finesse. 

A fine cast breathes life into the story of the captured Ottoman Sultan Bajazet and his Mongol conqueror.

English Touring Opera has revived James Conway's production of La bohème to launch the company back to full operations post-lockdown. What this new run lacks in finesse is made up for in bags of heart and spirit.

It was fitting that one of The Royal Opera's most loyal servants, Renato Balsadonna – Chorus Director of the Royal Opera Chorus from 2004-16 – was in the pit for this anniversary performance, leading an often thrilling musical account. 

The Italian soprano produces enormous power and great sensitivity in equal measure to illuminate a memorable Verdi Macbeth.

Guth's intelligent production comes with a Karita Mattila masterclass and an outstanding cast, intense to the point of pain. 

The evening’s most unbuttoned applause was reserved for two native anglophone artists, countertenor Patrick Terry and bass-baritone Michael Mofidian.