Performer: Barrie Kosky

In Barrie Kosky’s hyperactive staging, Il viaggio a Reims becomes a birthday tribute to Cecilia Bartoli complete with rewritten text, extravagant costumes, sexual escapades and a giant cake. 

A revelatory orchestral performance and a cast led by Andreas Schager, Christopher Maltman and Elisabeth Strid make this a Siegfried for the record books.

Shostakovich's opera is laid bare in Berlin, to devastating effect, with a distinguished cast led by Ambur Braid. 

Returning from the original run, Christopher Purves and Iestyn Davies were joined by a strong cast and chorus for a revival of Barrie Kosky's striking production.

The latest, thrilling instalment of Barrie Kosky's Ring cycle at Covent Garden does not have to strain for contemporary relevance. 

The Austrian mezzo-soprano talks about her love of singing, her time as an ensemble member at the Wiener Staatsoper and exploring the boundaries of trouser roles.

The American soprano reflects on career steps at The Royal Opera and Deutsche Oper Berlin and considers the vital role of streaming and connecting with audiences in the current climate.

The highs – and lows – of 2019 in the world of opera, dance and classical music as reported on Bachtrack.