Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony overshadows Federico Colli debut in Amsterdam

A touring show on a frugal budget, but Opera Zuid's take on Offenbach's diabolical delights hits the spot in burning temperatures in the Netherlands. 

Ola Mafaalani's staging is a feast for the eyes with creative and edgy lighting, a clever and expressive use of colour and a stunning visual display, but not everything comes off successfully. 

Ohne Chor, gekürzt und verjüngt – ein temporeicher und spritziger Liebestrank an der Opera Zuid.

The South Netherlands Philharmonic (philharmonie zuidnederland) introduced its new chief conductor, Dmitry Liss, in a demanding programme.

L’Orchestre de Chambre de Genève captivé par le hautbois d’Alexei Ogrintchouk, aura vécu une exaltation passionante qui ne durera malheureusement que le temps d’une danse Martinienne et Marcellesque ! Subsistent de nombreux points positifs qui donnent beaucoup d’espoir au renouveau de cet orchestre. 

A mélange of documentary, Chinese opera and contemporary music does not really bind into a solid whole, but Sichuan opera star Shen Tiemei’s performance is complete musical theatre.