Performer: Antonello Manacorda

Martin G Berger’s new production of Zar und Zimmermann eases the Deutsche Oper Berlin into the summer break, with mixed results.

Richard Eyre’s 32-year-old production is rarely out of The Royal Opera’s repertoire for more than a few months at a time, but this particular revival proves very special. 

With gloriously inventive sets and costumes, Alex Esposito’s splendid Four Villains drive a wonderfully entertaining new production.

Aigul Akhmetshina is outstanding in the title role, hearing Piotr Beczała is a privilege, but it's Damiano Michieletto's new staging that takes the honours.

Not all expectations were fulfilled in this concert by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Isabelle Faust made a strong case for Schumann's Violin Concerto, whereas Antonello Manacorda adopted a paint-stripping approach to both overture and symphony.

Brilliant Swiss pianist Francesco Piemontesi performs Mozart's D minor piano concerto.