A committed cast make this a beautifully performed ensemble piece in which the tragedy of young love cut short by untimely disease is compellingly put across.
2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-06-18UTC09:55:05+00:002018-06-17A committed cast make this a beautifully performed ensemble piece in which the tragedy of young love cut short by untimely disease is compellingly put across.La bohème at the Royal Opera: a simple tragedy, heart-rendingly tolden_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-la-boheme-royal-opera-agresta-polenzani-dupuis-de-niese-luisotti-june-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/85322-maria-agresta-as-mimi-and-matthew-polezani-as-rodolfo-in-la-boheme--the-royal-opera---2018-roh--photograph-by-catherine-ashmore-5.jpg280420Maria Agresta (Mimì), Matthew Polenzani (Rodolfo) in Act 4ROH | Catherine Ashmore2018-Jun-16, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: La bohèmehttps://bachtrack.com/listing-la-boheme-royal-opera-agresta-polenzani-dupuis-de-niese-luisotti-june-20182018-06-162018-07-20Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg4
The ninth revival of Jonathan Kent’s production features a great Act 1 and enjoyable Covent Garden role debuts for the three top singers, but misses the mark on the set pieces.
2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-01-16UTC14:48:35+00:002018-01-16The ninth revival of Jonathan Kent’s production features a great Act 1 and enjoyable Covent Garden role debuts for the three top singers, but misses the mark on the set pieces.Tosca at Covent Garden with Calleja, Finley and Pieczonka: promise as yet unfulfilleden_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-tosca-royal-opera-calleja-pieczonka-finley-ettinger-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/74446-638-gerald-finley-as-baron-scarpia--adrianne-pieczonka-as-floria-tosca--c--roh--photo-by-catherine-ashmore.jpg300400Gerald Finley (Scarpia), Adrienne Pieczonka (Tosca)ROH | Catherine Ashmore2018-Jan-15, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Toscahttps://bachtrack.com/listing-tosca-royal-opera-calleja-pieczonka-finley-ettinger-january-20182018-01-152018-03-03Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg3
Henrik Nánási balances the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House to perfection, setting the stage for a memorable title role performance from Byström and a powerful Jochanaan from Michael Volle.
2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-01-09UTC16:20:42+00:002018-01-09Henrik Nánási balances the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House to perfection, setting the stage for a memorable title role performance from Byström and a powerful Jochanaan from Michael Volle.The Beauty is the Beast: Malin Byström sings a chilling Salomeen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-richard-strauss-salome-royal-opera-bystrom-volle-nanasi-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/73906-0390-john-daszak-as-herod--malin-bystrom-as-salome--c--roh--photo-by-clive-barda-resized.jpg510340John Daszak (Herod) and Malin Byström (Salome)ROH | Clive Barda2018-Jan-08, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Salomehttps://bachtrack.com/listing-richard-strauss-salome-royal-opera-bystrom-volle-nanasi-january-20182018-01-082018-01-30Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg4
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.
2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-10-13UTC12:40:11+00:002017-10-13A 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. Herheim’s lavish Vêpres siciliennes returns to Covent Garden in triumphant styleen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-vepres-siciliennes-herheim-hymel-volle-schrott-bystrom-royal-opera-october-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/69355-vepres-1252michael-volle-as-guy-de-montfort--bryan-hymel-as-henri---roh--photo-bill-cooper-resized.jpg510340Michael Volle (Montfort) and Bryan Hymel (Henri)ROH | Bill Cooper2017-Oct-12, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Les Vêpres sicilienneshttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/les-vepres-siciliennes/12-october-2017/18-302017-10-122017-11-04Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg4
After his affectionate treatment of La fanciulla del West for ENO and his devastating Suor Angelica for the Royal Opera, Richard Jones’ new La bohème is disappointingly bland.
2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-09-12UTC22:51:06+00:002017-09-12After his affectionate treatment of La fanciulla del West for ENO and his devastating Suor Angelica for the Royal Opera, Richard Jones’ new La bohème is disappointingly bland.No moonlight, no magic: Richard Jones directs a vanilla Bohème for the Royal Operaen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-boheme-richard-jones-pappano-car-fabiano-kwiecien-royal-opera-september-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/67412-2803ashm-1346--nicole-car-and-mariusz-kwiecien---roh--photo-catherine-ashmore-resized.jpg510340Nicole Car (Mimì) and Mariusz Kwiecień (Marcello)ROH | Catherine Ashmore2017-Sep-11, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: La bohèmehttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/la-boheme/11-september-2017/19-302017-09-112017-10-10Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg3
Two years ago, Russian soprano Ekaterina Bakanova was thrust into her Royal Opera debut, stepping in at short notice as Violetta. Her triumph was enough for the powers that be to offer her a run of five performances this month.
2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-06-15UTC07:50:12+00:002017-06-15Two years ago, Russian soprano Ekaterina Bakanova was thrust into her Royal Opera debut, stepping in at short notice as Violetta. Her triumph was enough for the powers that be to offer her a run of five performances this month.Ekaterina Bakanova a touchingly fragile Violetta in Covent Garden Traviataen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-traviata-bakanova-ayan-alaimo-royal-opera-june-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/61746-la-traviata-399-ekaterina-bakanova-as-violetta-valery---roh--photo-by-tristram-kenton-resized.jpg510340Ekaterina Bakanova (Violetta)ROH | Tristram Kenton2017-Jun-14, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: La traviatahttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/la-traviata/14-june-2017/19-002017-06-142017-07-04Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg3
Ermonela Jaho sure likes to put herself (and us) through the emotional wringer on Covent Garden's stage. This time, London finally got to see her as another tragic Puccini heroine: Madama Butterfly.
2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-03-28UTC07:48:24+00:002017-03-28Ermonela Jaho sure likes to put herself (and us) through the emotional wringer on Covent Garden's stage. This time, London finally got to see her as another tragic Puccini heroine: Madama Butterfly.Broken wings: Ermonela Jaho a devastating Madama Butterfly at Covent Gardenen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-madama-butterfly-jaho-pappano-royal-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/56717-madamabutterfly-643-ermonela-jaho-as-cio-cio-san--c--roh--photo-bill-cooper-resized.jpg510340Ermonela Jaho (Cio-Cio San)ROH | Bill Cooper2017-Mar-23, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Madama Butterflyhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/madama-butterfly/23-march-2017/12-002017-03-232017-04-25Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg4
2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-03-12UTC12:32:36+00:002017-03-12Holten's masonic lodge setting of Meistersinger gets a lot right but is occasionally uneven; Terfel and Hughes Jones are constantly good to listen to.Excellent in parts: Kaspar Holten's new Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at Covent Gardenen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-meistersinger-nurnberg-holten-terfel-hughes-jones-royal-opera-march-2017Bachtrack 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/55360-170308-1475-meistersinger-bryn-terfel-as-hans-sachs--c---roh--photo-by-clive-barda-resized.jpg510340Sir Bryn Terfel (Hans Sachs)ROH | Clive Barda2017-Mar-11, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberghttps://bachtrack.com/listing-die-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-holten-terfel-hughes-jones-march-20172017-03-112017-03-31Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg3
2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-01-17UTC13:05:55+00:002017-01-17Richard Eyre's uncomplicated production remains as watchable as ever; Joyce El-Khoury makes a promising Covent Garden debut.La traviata at Covent Garden: imperfect but enjoyableen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-traviata-el-khoury-romanovsky-rustioni-royal-opera-january-2017Bachtrack 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/51399-traviata-13-01-17-roh-224-sergey-romanovsky-as-alfredo-germont--joyce-el-khoury-as-violetta-val-ery----roh--photo-by-tristram-kenton-resized.jpg510340Sergei Romanovsky (Alfredo) and Joyce El-Khoury (Violetta)ROH | Tristram Kenton2017-Jan-16, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: La traviatahttps://bachtrack.com/listing-la-traviata-royal-opera-joyce-el-khoury-january-20172017-01-162017-02-01Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/51024-la-traviata-2504-production-image---roh--photograph-by-tristram-kenton.jpg3
Renée Fleming has decided the time is right to bow out gracefully from the operatic stage, choosing her signature role to bid the fondest of farewells to London.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-12-19UTC06:50:05+00:002016-12-18Renée Fleming has decided the time is right to bow out gracefully from the operatic stage, choosing her signature role to bid the fondest of farewells to London.Stop all the clocks: Renée Fleming's valedictory Marschallin at the Royal Operaen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-rosenkavalier-fleming-coote-bevan-rose-nelsons-royal-opera-december-2016Bachtrack 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/50430-rosenkavalier-matthew-rose-as-baron-ochs--renee-fleming-as-the-marschallin---roh--photo-catherine-ashmore-resized.jpg510340Matthew Rose (Baron Ochs) and Renée Fleming (The Marschallin)ROH | Catherine Ashmore2016-Dec-17, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Der Rosenkavalierhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/der-rosenkavalier/17-december-2016/18-002016-12-172017-01-24Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/49630-rosenkavalier-logo-renee-fleming-as-the-marschallin--image-by-aka----roh--2016--resized.jpg4
When an enormous black gondola creaks and shudders its way across the stage in the “Giulietta' act of the Royal Opera's Tales of Hoffmann, it acts as a metaphor for John Schlesinger's venerable production.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-11-08UTC10:09:24+00:002016-11-08When an enormous black gondola creaks and shudders its way across the stage in the “Giulietta' act of the Royal Opera's Tales of Hoffmann, it acts as a metaphor for John Schlesinger's venerable production.A final outing for the Royal Opera's lavish but fusty Tales of Hoffmannen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-tales-hoffmann-grigolo-hampson-pido-royal-opera-november-2016Bachtrack 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/48608-tales-hoffmann-christine-rice-thomas-hampson-roh-catherine-ashmore-resized.jpg510340Christine Rice (Giulietta) and Thomas Hampson (Dappertutto)ROH | Catherine Ashmore2016-Nov-07, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Les Contes d'Hoffmannhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/les-contes-dhoffmann/07-november-2016/18-302016-11-072016-12-03Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg3
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-10-21UTC08:27:10+00:002016-10-21I arrived at the Royal Opera House in the usual way, settled into my seat, and – could you believe it – the opera was gone!Vaudeville. Nasality. Shostakovich. Kosky.en_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-shostakovich-nose-kosky-winkler-tomlinson-metzmacher-royal-opera-october-2016Bachtrack 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/47622-the-nose-martin-winkler-roh-bill-cooper-resized.jpg510340Martin Winkler (Platon Kuzmich Kovalyov)ROH | Bill Cooper2016-Oct-20, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: The Nosehttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/the-nose/20-october-2016/19-302016-10-202016-11-09Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg5
Bryn Terfel and Sir Antonio Pappano brought their excellent interpretation of the 1869 version of Mussorgsky's seminal opera to the Royal Albert Hall for a one-off revival.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-07-18UTC10:50:36+00:002016-07-17Bryn Terfel and Sir Antonio Pappano brought their excellent interpretation of the 1869 version of Mussorgsky's seminal opera to the Royal Albert Hall for a one-off revival.Prom 2: Royal Opera's spine-tingling Boris Godunov transfers to the Promsen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-prom-2-boris-godunov-terfel-pappano-royal-opera-july-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDominic Lowehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/20105https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/20105https://bachtrack.com/files/30245-dominic_lowe.jpgDominic Lowe recently completed a degree in Classics, and one of his great interests is the reception of Greece and Rome in opera. A regular opera-goer since his very early teens, he is particularly keen on the hidden operatic gems of the 19th century. He is largely based in the South of England.https://bachtrack.com/files/42651-prom-2-boris-godunov-bryn-terfel-bbc-chris-christodoulou-3.jpg300450Bryn Terfel (Boris Godunov)BBC | Chris Christodoulou2016-Jul-16, Royal Albert Hall: Prom 2: Mussorgsky – Boris Godunovhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-albert-hall/prom-2-mussorgsky-boris-godunov/16-july-2016/19-302016-07-162016-07-16Royal Albert HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSW7 2APKensington Gore51.5014299260821-0.17751932144165https://bachtrack.com/files/78814-artwork-for-events--1-.jpg4
Tim Albery's 2010 production of Tannhäuser, receiving its first revival at Covent Garden, begins with a stylish opening 20 minutes, but thereafter things become rather bland.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-04-27UTC19:22:25+00:002016-04-27Tim Albery's 2010 production of Tannhäuser, receiving its first revival at Covent Garden, begins with a stylish opening 20 minutes, but thereafter things become rather bland.
Downhill from Venusberg: a bland Tannhäuser revived at Covent Gardenen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-tannhauser-albery-seiffert-gerhaher-haenchen-royal-opera-april-2016Bachtrack 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/38516-tannhauser_peter_seiffert_sophie_koch_roh_clive_barda_resized.jpg510340Peter Seiffert (Tannhäuser) and Sophie Koch (Venus)ROH | Clive Barda2016-Apr-26, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Tannhäuserhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/tannhauser/26-april-2016/18-002016-04-262016-05-15Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg3
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-03-15UTC10:25:13+00:002016-03-15Richard Jones new production of Mussorgsky's episodic epic has plenty of strengths, but is marred by unappealing designs and rushed tempi.Boris Godunov at the Royal Opera: competent, but missing the marken_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-boris-godunov-jones-terfel-pappano-royal-opera-march-2016Bachtrack 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/36450-boris_godunov_ain_anger_bryn_terfel_roh_catherine_ashmore_resized.jpg510318Ain Anger (Pimen) and Bryn Terfel (Boris Godunov)ROH | Catherine Ashmore2016-Mar-14, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Boris Godunovhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/boris-godunov/14-march-2016/19-302016-03-142016-04-05Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg3
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-02-26UTC10:53:08+00:002016-02-26A blistering performance of Suor Angelica is the highlight of this strongly performed revival of Richard Jones' 2011 production.Jaho and Larsson break hearts, Gallo and Hurrell mend them in The Royal Opera's Tritticoen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-trittico-jones-luisotti-jaho-gallo-royal-opera-february-2016Bachtrack 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/35213-gianni_schicchi_lucio_gallo_susanna_hurrell_roh_bill_cooper_resized.jpg510340Lucio Gallo (Gianni Schicchi) and Susanna Hurrell (Lauretta)Bill Cooper | ROH2016-Feb-25, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Il tritticohttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/il-trittico/25-february-2016/18-302016-02-252016-03-15Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg4
Saffron Opera Group's opening salvo bodes exceptionally well for their planned full cycle of concert performances of Wagner's Ring over the next two years.
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-01-20UTC14:57:00+00:002016-01-20Saffron Opera Group's opening salvo bodes exceptionally well for their planned full cycle of concert performances of Wagner's Ring over the next two years. Delighting the mind's eye: Saffron Opera Group's Das Rheingolden_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-rheingold-saffron-opera-group-january-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/33269-rheingold_arthur_rackham.jpg300431Loge feigns fear as Alberich turns into a giant snakeArthur Rackham2016-Jan-17, Saffron Hall: Das Rheingoldhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/saffron-hall/das-rheingold/17-january-2016/14-302016-01-172016-01-17Saffron HallSaffron WaldenEast of EnglandUnited KingdomCB11 4UHAudley End Road52.0172162949970.2310776710510254https://bachtrack.com/files/25043-saffron_opera_group.jpg4
2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-01-17UTC14:28:45+00:002016-01-17Even us Verdi enthusiasts experience something of a heavy tread as we wend our way to yet another Traviata at the Royal Opera House.A Traviata to blow away the cobwebs at The Royal Operaen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-traviata-gimadieva-royal-opera-january-2016Bachtrack 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/33111-traviata_luca_salsi_venera_gimadieva_roh_tristram_kenton_resized.jpg300439Luca Salsi (Germont) and Venera Gimadieva (Violetta)ROH | Tristram Kenton2016-Jan-16, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: La traviatahttps://bachtrack.com/listing-traviata-gimadieva-royal-opera-january-20162016-01-162016-03-19Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997https://bachtrack.com/files/57341-royal-opera-house-logo.jpg4
Jane Archibald and Ruxandra Donose provide a compelling prologue to Ariadne auf Naxos, while Karita Mattila's majestic performance lights up the opera seria second half.
2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-10-11UTC20:14:55+00:002015-10-11Jane Archibald and Ruxandra Donose provide a compelling prologue to Ariadne auf Naxos, while Karita Mattila's majestic performance lights up the opera seria second half.Karita Mattila a peerless Ariadne at the Royal Operaen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-ariadne-auf-naxos-karita-mattila-royal-opera-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/29294-ariadne_jane_archibald_karita_mattila_roh_catherine_ashmore_resized.jpg300447Jane Archibald (Zerbinetta) and Karita Mattila (Prima donna)Catherine Ashmore | ROH2015-Oct-10, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Ariadne auf Naxoshttps://bachtrack.com/listing-ariadne-auf-naxos-karita-mattila-royal-opera-october-20152015-10-102015-10-16Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.122399999999973
Leah Hausman's revival of David McVicar's production allows the comedy to stem from the situations set up by Mozart and da Ponte... aided by Erwin Schrott's witty Figaro.
2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-09-16UTC07:24:40+00:002015-09-16Leah Hausman's revival of David McVicar's production allows the comedy to stem from the situations set up by Mozart and da Ponte... aided by Erwin Schrott's witty Figaro.The One with Figaro’s Wedding: a deftly directed revival at Covent Gardenen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-figaro-schrott-hartig-degout-royal-opera-september-2015Bachtrack 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/28204-figaro_erwin_schrott_anita_hartig_roh_mark_douet.jpg508339Erwin Schrott (Figaro) and Anita Hartig (Susanna)Mark Douet | ROH2015-Sep-15, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Le nozze di Figarohttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/le-nozze-di-figaro/15-september-2015/19-002015-09-152015-10-14Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.122399999999974
Kristine Opolais offers a nuanced, moving Cio-Cio-San in a solid revival of Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s sepia and cream production of Madama Butterfly at the Royal Opera.
2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-03-26UTC12:19:55+00:002015-03-21Kristine Opolais offers a nuanced, moving Cio-Cio-San in a solid revival of Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s sepia and cream production of Madama Butterfly at the Royal Opera.Clattering cherry blossom: solid revival of Madama Butterfly at Covent Gardenen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-butterfly-opolais-jagde-luisotti-royal-opera-march-2015Bachtrack 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/8682-opolais_butterfly_bill_cooper_roh.jpg300462Kristine Opolais (Cio-Cio-San)Bill Cooper | ROH2015-Mar-20, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Madama Butterflyhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/madama-butterfly/20-march-2015/19-302015-03-202015-04-11Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.122399999999973
Royal Opera’s first rival of Anna Nicole opens to an enthusiastic student audience. Eva-Maria Westbroek dazzles, but second time round the work seems even more burned by its clumsy libretto.
2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-09-12UTC10:32:41+00:002014-09-12Royal Opera’s first rival of Anna Nicole opens to an enthusiastic student audience. Eva-Maria Westbroek dazzles, but second time round the work seems even more burned by its clumsy libretto.ROH comeback for Anna Nicole, but do shock tactics dull with repetition?en_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-anna-nicole-royal-opera-westbroek-september-2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngGavin Dixonhttps://bachtrack.com/files/6544-roh_anna_nicole_westbroek_bill_cooper.jpg300424Eva-Maria Westbroek (Anna Nicole)Bill Cooper2014-Sep-11, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Anna Nicolehttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/anna-nicole/11-september-2014/19-302014-09-112014-09-24Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.122399999999973
2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-06-27UTC20:30:37+00:002014-06-26As revivals go, Karita Mattila and Jane Archibald make the Royal Opera's Ariadne auf Naxos a must-see.Naxos capitulates, Mattila’s Ariadne reignsen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-ariadne-mattila-archibald-royal-opera-june-2014Bachtrack 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/5770-karita_mattila_ashmore.jpg275426Karita Mattila (Ariadne)Catherine Ashmore2014-Jun-25, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Ariadne auf Naxoshttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/ariadne-auf-naxos/25-june-2014/19-302014-06-252014-07-13Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.122399999999974
This BAM production of Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd, imported from Glyndebourne, achieves the rare distinction of making a great performance out of a decidedly mediocre work.
2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-02-10UTC12:36:28+00:002014-02-10This BAM production of Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd, imported from Glyndebourne, achieves the rare distinction of making a great performance out of a decidedly mediocre work.Glyndebourne's Billy Budd in New Yorken_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-feb-2014-bam-glyndebourne-billy-buddBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Allenhttps://bachtrack.com/files/4245-billy_budd_scene_pc_richard_hubert_smith.jpg510339Richard Hubert Smith2014-Feb-07, BAM: Howard Gilman Opera House: Billy Budd, Op.50https://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/bam-howard-gilman-opera-house/billy-budd-op50/07-february-2014/19-302014-02-072014-02-13BAM: Howard Gilman Opera HouseNew York CityNew YorkUnited StatesLafayette Avenue40.686307043046-73.9779612421995
The silence at the end of the concert said it all. To have plunged the attention of the entire Royal Albert Hall into utter silence for a whole minute after the music has finished was an impressive feat. Such was the audience response to Mark Padmore’s closing walk down the back of the stage, as Captain Vere.
2013Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:49:33+00:002013-08-29Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres reviews Prom 60: Britten's Billy Budd with the Glyndbourne Festival Opera and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis.Prom 60: Glyndebourne's Billy Budd silences the Albert Hallen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-bbc-prom-60-2013-glyndebourne-billy-buddBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngAlexandra Hamilton-Ayreshttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/755https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/755https://bachtrack.com/files/25987-alexandra_hamilton_ayres.jpgAlexandra is a composer and journalist contributing to several arts websites. When she isn’t writing music or words, she lives a parallel life as an artist and illustrator in Bristol. She did her undergraduate degree in Music at the University of Bristol and her musical interests lie mainly in new music, music for film and minimalism. Follow her on twitter @AHamiltonAyres.https://bachtrack.com/files/2991-prom_60_cr_bbc_chris_christodoulou_16.jpg400400Members of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, The Glyndebourne Chorus, and the London Philharmonic Orc BBC/Chris Christodoulou2013-Aug-27, Royal Albert Hall: Prom 60https://bachtrack.com/listing-bbc-prom-60-2013-glyndebourne-billy-budd2013-08-272013-08-27Royal Albert HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSW7 2APKensington Gore51.5014299260821-0.17751932144165https://bachtrack.com/files/78814-artwork-for-events--1-.jpg5
There's no such thing as a perfect comic opera, and I know it's wrong to describe any work of art as perfect. But seeing Mozart and da Ponte's Le Nozze di Figaro last night, I found this a difficult principle to accept: this opera is about as close as you can get.Many operas have a slew of memorable tunes; many have opportunities for singers to show off their qualities.
2012Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:23:16+00:002012-02-13David Karlin reviews The Marriage of Figaro at the Royal Opera, conducted by Antonio Pappano and starring Ildebrando d'Arcangelo and Aleksandra KurzakFigaro's wedding makes perfect comedyen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/22/296/view/899Bachtrack 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/1019-figaro_1sq_1.jpg400400Aleksandra Kurzak as Susanna, Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Figaro ROH 2012, Bill Cooper2012-Feb-11, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Le Nozze di Figarohttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/royal-opera-house-covent-garden/le-nozze-di-figaro/11-february-2012/19-002012-02-112012-03-02Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.122399999999974
Ever since the Royal Opera House announced that two performances of its summer revival of Jonathan Kent's production of Tosca would feature an all-star cast, opera lovers all over the world have been desperately trying to get their hands on a golden ticket.
2011Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:12:46+00:002011-07-19An all-star cast create opera history in the Royal Opera House's Toscaen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-tosca-gheorghiu-kaufman-terfelBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngLaura Kate Wilsonhttps://bachtrack.com/files/635-terfel_scarpia_ashmore.jpg400400Bryn Terfel as Scarpia The Royal Opera / Catherine Ashmore 20112011-Jul-17, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Toscahttps://bachtrack.com/listing-tosca-gheorghiu-kaufman-terfel2011-07-172011-07-17Royal Opera House, Covent GardenLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomWC2E 9DDBow Street,
,Covent Garden51.513371-0.12239999999997
The concept of freedom is at the heart of Opera North's current production of Fidelio. As soon as you open your programme, you are encouraged by the company's General Director Richard Mantle to consider Beethoven's only opera as having something to say about the struggle for liberty that has been taking place in the Middle East over the past few months.“Opera is perfectly placed to convey the personal experiences of individuals caught up in larger social or political events,” he writes, and it is easy to see why Fidelio, with its prison setting and eventual triumph of good over evil, lends itself particularly well to a comparison with contemporary global events.
2011Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:11:47+00:002011-04-19Opera North's 'Fidelio'- A Focus on Freedomen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-fidelio-opera-northBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngLaura Kate Wilsonhttps://bachtrack.com/files/517-fidelio_opera_north_sq.jpg400400Steven Harrison (Florestan) and Emma Bell (Leonore) Clive Barda2011-Apr-16, Leeds Grand Theatre: Fideliohttps://bachtrack.com/listing-fidelio-opera-north2011-04-162011-04-16Leeds Grand TheatreLeedsYorkshire and the HumberUnited KingdomLS1 6NZ53.800174-1.541261
