2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-01-11UTC10:09:54+00:002018-01-11A series of ill-advised staging choices leads to a disappointingly drab performance of Monteverdi's Homeric epic.Monteverdi on a doughnut: A drab Return of Ulysses fails to thrill the Roundhouseen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-monteverdi-ulysses-fulljames-royal-opera-roundhouse-january-2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Karlinhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/3https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/3https://bachtrack.com/files/40449-david-karlin.jpgDavid is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.https://bachtrack.com/files/74024-sc1-2539-the-return-of-ulysses-production-image--c--roh---roundhouse--photo-by-stephen-cummiskey-resized.jpg510340The Return of UlyssesROH & Roundhouse | Stephen Cummiskey2018-Jan-10, The Roundhouse: The Return of Ulysseshttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/the-roundhouse/the-return-of-ulysses/10-january-2018/19-302018-01-102018-01-19The RoundhouseLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomNW1 8EHChalk Farm Road51.5436047571131-0.152431011592853http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/the-return-of-ulysses-by-john-fulljames?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.comhttps://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg2
Frank Martin’s Le Vin herbé is as anti-Wagnerian a work as you could imagine. It is also the odd one out in Welsh National Opera’s “Love’s Poisoned Chalice” spring season.
2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-03-23UTC07:24:29+00:002017-03-22Frank Martin’s Le Vin herbé is as anti-Wagnerian a work as you could imagine. It is also the odd one out in Welsh National Opera’s “Love’s Poisoned Chalice” spring season.Bitter wine: Frank Martin's Le Vin herbé an acquired tasteen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-vin-herbe-welsh-national-opera-march-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngMark Pullingerhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/15668https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/15668https://bachtrack.com/files/218-1097_4423_markpullinger.jpgMark is one of Bachtrack’s editors and Chair of the Music Section of The Critics' Circle. An experienced opera critic, with a passion for Verdi, he can often be found propping up a standing place at the ROH. He also reviews concerts and dance, with a particular love for Russian and French repertoire. Mark contributes to Gramophone and Opera magazines and blogs at Beckmesser's Quill. https://bachtrack.com/files/56335-wnolevinherbe-catherinewyn-rogersiseultsmotherphotocreditrobertworkman-060-01-resized.jpg510340Catherine Wyn-Rogers (La mère d'Iseut)Robert Workman2017-Mar-21, Milton Keynes Theatre: Le Vin Herbéhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/milton-keynes-theatre/le-vin-herbe/21-march-2017/19-152017-03-212017-03-21Milton Keynes TheatreMilton KeynesSouth-EastUnited KingdomMK9 3NZ52.0440315741411-0.748765468597412https://www.wno.org.uk/event/le-vin-herb%C3%A9?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.comhttps://bachtrack.com/files/38994-le-vin-herbe.png3
Handel's oratorio Theodora performed by Pinchgut Opera in Sydney was played and sung beautifully in a rather drab production. Kudos to the soloists especially countertenor Christopher Lowery and conductor Erin Helyard.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-03-01UTC14:59:56+00:002016-12-02Handel's oratorio Theodora performed by Pinchgut Opera in Sydney was played and sung beautifully in a rather drab production. Kudos to the soloists especially countertenor Christopher Lowery and conductor Erin Helyard.Theodora: a musical, if not dramatic, triumph in Sydneyen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-handel-theodora-pinchgut-opera-sydney-november-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngSandra Bowdlerhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/22175https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/22175https://bachtrack.com/files/40842-sandra-bowlder.jpgSandra Bowdler was born and educated in Sydney, and has pursued a career as an archaeologist since graduating from the University of Sydney in 1970. She is now Emeritus Professor of Archaeology and a Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia in the School of Social Sciences and the School of Music. Since attending a production of Handel’s opera Alcina at the Sydney Opera House in 1982, she has become a devotee of the works of GF Handel, and Baroque music generally. In 1996 she began writing opera reviews for online outlets, graduating to more professional sources by 2000. In 2007, she inaugurated Festival Baroque Australia in Perth, Western Australia, Australia’s first Baroque music festival. Under that banner, she curated two festivals and several concerts in Perth.https://bachtrack.com/files/49791-theodora-valda-wilson-theodora---robert-catto--pinchgut-opera-resized.jpg510340Valda Wilson (Theodora)Robert Catto | Pinchgut Opera2016-Nov-30, City Recital Hall: Theodorahttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/city-recital-hall/theodora/30-november-2016/19-002016-11-302016-12-06City Recital HallSydneyNew South WalesAustralia2-12 Angel Place-33.867139151.20711400000005https://bachtrack.com/files/44683-pinchgut-opera-logo.jpg4
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-09-02UTC12:05:56+00:002016-08-30The SSO left its usual venue to perform Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony no. 2 in C minor in the Sydney Town Hall.An apocalyptic vision: Mahler's “Resurrection” Symphony in Sydney Town Hallen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-resurrection-robertson-hulcup-howarth-sydney-symphony-august-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngZoltán Szabóhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/16009https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/16009https://bachtrack.com/files/40585-zoltan-square.jpgZoltán Szabó is a cellist and musicologist. Having migrated from his native Hungary to Australia in 1985, he worked with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney until 1991, when he became Principal Cello with Opera Australia. In 2017, he was awarded with a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD). Currently, he is teaching music history and musicology at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.https://bachtrack.com/files/44820-sydney-symphony-orchestra-keith-saunders.jpg510340The Sydney Symphony with David RobertsonKeith Saunders2016-Aug-27, Sydney Town Hall: Mahler 2: Resurrection Symphonyhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/sydney-town-hall/mahler-2-resurrection-symphony/27-august-2016/20-002016-08-272016-08-28Sydney Town HallSydneyNew South WalesAustralia2000483 George Street-33.8731993151.2063299http://www.sydneysymphony.com/production-pages/2016/concert-season/mahler-2.aspx?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.comhttps://bachtrack.com/files/63830-sydney-symphony-orchestra-logo.jpg4
Mozart's messy monster of an opera gets a brutalist tidy-up at Garsington, but the determinedly straightforward reading only makes this work's innate problems more obvious.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-06-21UTC14:44:09+00:002016-06-21Mozart's messy monster of an opera gets a brutalist tidy-up at Garsington, but the determinedly straightforward reading only makes this work's innate problems more obvious. A stern Father's Day treat: Mozart Idomeneo at Garsingtonen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-idomeneo-albery-spence-garsington-june-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngCharlotte Valorihttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/5489https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/5489https://bachtrack.com/files/173-charlotte_valori.jpgCharlotte Valori read Classics at Christ Church, Oxford. As a classicist, her main interest is Greek tragedy and its reception by later cultures, which has led to a continuing passion for theatre and opera. Charlotte reviews for several online magazines, and won the Bachtrack Opera Award 2015 for Best Written English Review. Follow her on Twitter @operissima.https://bachtrack.com/files/41352-idomeneo-toby-spence-garsington-clive-barda-resized.jpg510340Toby Spence (Idomeneo)Clive Barda2016-Jun-19, Garsington Opera: Garsington Opera: Idomeneohttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/garsington-opera/garsington-opera-idomeneo/19-june-2016/17-502016-06-192016-07-11Garsington OperaHigh WycombeSouth-EastUnited KingdomHP14 3YEThe Wormsley Estate51.6492750856721-0.925297737121582http://www.garsingtonopera.org/our-season/idomeneo/?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.comhttps://bachtrack.com/files/51322-garsington-opera-logo.jpg3
Intelligently staged and brilliantly sung, Scottish Opera can be justly proud of their new production of Ariodante. It is all about the oranges really.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-02-22UTC11:01:10+00:002016-02-21Intelligently staged and brilliantly sung, Scottish Opera can be justly proud of their new production of Ariodante. It is all about the oranges really.A very finely sung Ariodante from Scottish Operaen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-ariodante-fehr-hulcup-tynan-scottish-opera-glasgow-february-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/34938-ariodante_caitlin_hulcup_scottish_opera_james_glossop_resized.jpg510340Caitlin Hulcup (Ariodante)James Glossop2016-Feb-16, Theatre Royal: Ariodantehttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/theatre-royal-43/ariodante/16-february-2016/19-152016-02-162016-02-20Theatre RoyalGlasgowScotlandUnited KingdomG2 3QA55.866092-4.256785https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/our-operas/15-16/ariodante?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.comhttps://bachtrack.com/files/65406-scottish-opera-logo.jpg4
A somewhat overly manic production of Luigi Rossi's version of the Orpheus tale, originally written for the French court in 1647, is lit up by some great singing and a show-stealing comic performance by Graeme Broadbent.
2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-10-24UTC18:43:12+00:002015-10-24A somewhat overly manic production of Luigi Rossi's version of the Orpheus tale, originally written for the French court in 1647, is lit up by some great singing and a show-stealing comic performance by Graeme Broadbent.The cradle of French Grand Opera: Rossi's Orpheus at the Sam Wanamakeren_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-rossi-orpheus-sam-wanamaker-playhouse-october-2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Karlinhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/3https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/3https://bachtrack.com/files/40449-david-karlin.jpgDavid is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.https://bachtrack.com/files/29940-graeme_broadbent_as_pluto.jpg620413Graeme Broadbent (Pluto)ROH | Shakespeare's Globe | Stephen Cummiskey2015-Oct-23, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: Orpheushttps://bachtrack.com/listing-rossi-orpheus-sam-wanamaker-playhouse-october-20152015-10-232015-11-15Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare's GlobeLondonGreater LondonUnited Kingdom51.508082860786-0.0970117282122373
2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-03-02UTC16:05:43+00:002015-03-02Scottish Opera's imaginative Orfeo ed Euridice is a well sung wild visial feast with added dancing thrown into the mix by Ashley Page. Scottish Opera's Orfeo ed Euridice a wild visual feasten_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-orfeo-euridice-scottish-opera-february-2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/8422-orfeo_hulcup_hall_dundas_scottish_opera.jpg510339Caitlin Hulcup (Orfeo) and Lucy Hall (Euridice)KK Dundas2015-Feb-28, Theatre Royal: Orfeo ed Euridicehttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/theatre-royal-43/orfeo-ed-euridice/28-february-2015/19-152015-02-282015-02-28Theatre RoyalGlasgowScotlandUnited KingdomG2 3QA55.866092-4.2567854
In the opening scene of Pinchgut Opera's latest production, Gluck's rarely performed Iphigénie en Tauride, a swirling musical, dramatic and visually strobe-enhanced tempest is belted out.
2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-12-04UTC16:55:50+00:002014-12-04In the opening scene of Pinchgut Opera's latest production, Gluck's rarely performed Iphigénie en Tauride, a swirling musical, dramatic and visually strobe-enhanced tempest is belted out. Compelling and uncomplicated Iphegénie en Tauride storms into Sydney en_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-iphegenie-tauride-pinchgut-sydney-december-2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngPaul Selarhttps://bachtrack.com/files/7507-pinchgut_iphigenie_caitlin_hulcup_keith_saunders.jpg300397Caitlin Hulcup (Iphigénie)Keith Saunders2014-Dec-03, City Recital Hall: Iphigénie en Tauridehttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/city-recital-hall/iphigenie-en-tauride/03-december-2014/00-002014-12-032014-12-09City Recital HallSydneyNew South WalesAustralia2-12 Angel Place-33.867139151.207114000000054
2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-06-02UTC09:10:06+00:002014-06-01Any performance of Mahler's Eighth Symphony is a special event. This one was a thrilling end to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's season.Mahler's epic Eighth a thrilling finale to RSNO's seasonen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-mahler-oundjian-may-2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/5481-peter_oundjian_sian_richards.jpg275414Peter OundjianSian Richards2014-May-30, Usher Hall: Season Finale! Symphony of a Thousandhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/usher-hall/season-finale-symphony-of-a-thousand/30-may-2014/19-302014-05-302014-05-30Usher HallEdinburghScotlandUnited KingdomEH1 2EA55.9471572627242-3.204960823059084
Conductor Alan Curtis and musicologist Alessandro Ciccolini have successfully restored Vivaldi's opera Catone in Utica, and they brought it to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris with a star performance from mezzo Ann Hallenberg.
2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-01-21UTC15:04:17+00:002014-01-20Conductor Alan Curtis and musicologist Alessandro Ciccolini have successfully restored Vivaldi's opera Catone in Utica, and they brought it to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris with a star performance from mezzo Ann Hallenberg.Vivaldi's Catone in Utica comes to Parisen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-jan-2014-paris-catoneBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngVesna Gerinteshttps://bachtrack.com/files/4056-il_complesso_barocco.jpg510339Il Complesso BaroccoJose Luis Martinez2014-Jan-10, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées: Catone in Uticahttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/theatre-des-champs-elysees/catone-in-utica/10-january-2014/20-002014-01-102014-01-10Théâtre des Champs-ÉlyséesParisÎle-de-FranceFrance7500815 avenue Montaigne48.86560572.3032394
A great number of works from the bel canto era and before have not found their way into the current operatic repertoire, generally for good reason: many are flawed, dated or just not particularly distinguished. Garsington Opera have just proved to us that Rossini’s Maometto Secondo is not one of those.
2013Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:45:53+00:002013-06-13David Karlin reviews Rossini's Maometto Secondo at Garsington OperaMaometto Secondo triumphantly captures Garsingtonen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-rossini-maometto-secondo-garsington-operaBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Karlinhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/3https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/3https://bachtrack.com/files/40449-david-karlin.jpgDavid is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.https://bachtrack.com/files/2731-darren_jeffery_in_title_role_maometto_secondo_credit_mike_hoban.jpg400400Darren Jeffery as Maometto II Mike Hoban2013-Jun-08, Garsington Opera: Rossini's Maometto Secondo, British Stage Premierehttps://bachtrack.com/listing-rossini-maometto-secondo-garsington-opera2013-06-082013-07-10Garsington OperaHigh WycombeSouth-EastUnited KingdomHP14 3YEThe Wormsley Estate51.6492750856721-0.925297737121582https://bachtrack.com/files/51322-garsington-opera-logo.jpg5
Handel’s Belshazzar was the oratorio of choice for renowned music group Les Arts Florissants at the Barbican last week. The group was famously set up in France in 1979 by the American-born William Christie, eventually becoming an international household name for its critically acclaimed performances and recordings of Baroque operas on period instruments.
2012Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:36:19+00:002012-12-18Julia Savage reviews Les Arts Florissants' performance of Handel's Belshazzar at the Barbican, London.Handel's Belshazzar at the Barbican with Les Arts Florissantsen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-barbican-arts-florissants-handel-belshazzarBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngJulia Savagehttps://bachtrack.com/files/2058-john_martin___belshazzars_feast___google_art_project.jpg400268John Martin, Belshazzar's Feast2012-Dec-13, Barbican Hall: Les Arts Florissants / Belshazzarhttps://bachtrack.com/listing-barbican-arts-florissants-handel-belshazzar2012-12-132012-12-13Barbican HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomEC2Y 8DSSilk Street51.519879294526-0.091710090637207https://www.barbican.org.uk/music/event-detail.asp?utm_medium=Button&utm_source=1213_season&ID=13039&utm_campaign=CCOCLA161012G&utm_content=CCOCLA161012G_bookhttps://bachtrack.com/files/18762-barbican.jpg3
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-02-18UTC13:42:18+00:002016-02-18Cette nouvelle production du plus écossais des opéras de Haendel s’en tire avec les honneurs, malgré un orchestre à la peine.Sombre Ariodante au Scottish Operafr_FRtruehttps://bachtrack.com/critique-ariodante-nicholas-kraemer-harry-fehr-caitlin-hulcup-scottish-operaBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngClémence Faberhttps://bachtrack.com/files/34759-caitlin_hulcup_as_ariodante._scottish_opera_2016._credit_james_glossop.__6_resized.jpg510340Caitlin Hulcup (Ariodante) - Scottish OperaJames Glossop2016-Feb-16, Theatre Royal: Ariodantehttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/theatre-royal-43/ariodante/16-february-2016/19-152016-02-162016-02-20Theatre RoyalGlasgowScotlandUnited KingdomG2 3QA55.866092-4.256785https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/our-operas/15-16/ariodante?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.comhttps://bachtrack.com/files/65406-scottish-opera-logo.jpg3