Artiste: The Grange Festival

A fine singing cast gives creditable performances in Johann Stauss II's most famous operetta, but Paul Curran's updating of Act 2 to 1930s Berlin takes the fizz out of the Champagne.

Singing performances are excellent, the staging is well crafted and Stravinsky's eclectic score entertains from start to finish. But it's an evening's opera that doesn't touch the soul.

Terrific music making with a light directorial touch brings mixed results to Monteverdi's 1643 masterpiece. 

Country opera house picnics, floating stages and opera under the French stars. Our 2018 opera festivals guide has something for everyone!