Artiste: Mikhail Tatarnikov

First marketed as Ivan the Terrible by Serge Diaghilev, Rimsky-Korsakov's first opera The Maid of Pskov makes a rare appearance outside of Russia, in leafy Surrey. 

With duets from Pique Dame and Iolanta, along with set pieces from Eugene Onegin, this gala was packed with Russian passion. 

In a programme guaranteed to draw the crowds the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra were on sparkling form with dynamic playing too from pianist Boris Giltburg.

This Paris production of The Snow Maiden proves that director Dmitri Tcherniakov is today's greatest champion of Rimsky-Korsakov's operas. 

With a light-voiced cast and gentle updating, the Staatsoper's new Manon Lescaut makes a good case for Puccini's difficult breakthrough opera.

Despite the black and white palate, this Makropulos Case has plenty of color. Nadja Michael heads the cast with her fiery portrayal of Elina Makropulos, and conductor Mikahil Tatrnikov makes a triumphant San Francisco Opera debut in the pit.