Performer: Bassem Akiki

The Polish National Opera's first staging of Strauss' massive fairy tale feels like a bold statement of intent.

Inspired by Annie Ernaux’s The Years, Philip Venables’ new opera widens the canvas to take in the whole of Europe’s postwar generation. 

Alexander Raskatov and Damiano Michieletto turn George Orwell’s fable into an opera of exceptional contemporary relevance.