Performer: Alfred Reiter

Carl Nielsen's Maskarade makes a welcome rare appearance, with a great time had by everyone onstage and off.

Oper Frankfurt's revival of Richard Jones's production of Billy Budd with a homegrown cast is a devastating combination of powerful music and searing drama.

Stellar voices and orcheatra and some inspired staging choices elevate an otherwise heavy-handed production of Pelléas et Mélisande from the WNO at the Hong Kong Arts Festival.