Instrument: Choirmaster / chorus director

Thanks to Barrie Kosky's flamboyant imagination and a solid cast, the Komische Oper's new production of La Cage aux Folles glitters, but could be more gay.

“Lima darf nicht Österreich werden!” Offenbach's operetta is set in Lima, but really it’s Vienna in director Nikolaus Habjan uproarious production. 

Contemplation and reflection should ideally form a counterpoint to jollity and merry-making in the festive season: an object-lesson from Sir Simon Rattle and his supporting forces.

There is magic aplenty in director Stefan Herheim’s bold recontextualization of Gian Carlo Menotti's holiday opera. 

Sailor suits and powder-puff bows as Herbert Fritsch directs a colourful new production in Berlin. 

A strong international cast and fine musicianship from the orchestra carries on Strauss's legacy with a smart, antic romp.

A new production of Vivaldi's Byzantine opera Il Giustino charms Berlin, thanks to René Jacobs' exemplary conducting and a top-level cast led by Christophe Dumaux.