Performer: Alexandra Oomens

Tobias Kratzer gives his third Strauss production in three seasons at Deutsche Oper Berlin another contemporary spin. 

Miskimmon's relocation of the action to Ireland is unsparing in its evocation not of some tearjerking melodrama but of an almost documentary reportage on real events. 

Opera Australia's well nigh perfect production of Mozart's Così fan tutte excels in every dimension, with an excellent ambiguous conclusion.

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.

Although abbreviated, Pinchgut Opera's production of Handel's Rinaldo makes a powerful dramatic impact and exemplifies high musical values, with excellent orchestral playing and consistently fine singing.

A wonderful night of late 17th-century music by the somewhat obscure German composer Dietrich Buxtehude is brought to radiant life by Erin Helyard and the Pinchgut Opera company.