Performer: Bryan Hymel

A change of tenor mid-performance adds further drama to a night at the opera in Covent Garden...

Edward Gardner's conducting brings out the nuances of Berlioz's complex score, but The Met's concert staging lacks theatrical thrust.

Barrie Kosky's divisive production returns to The Royal Opera but has lost its zing. 

After its Christmas break, Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci return to the Royal Opera in Daminano Michieletto's arresting production. 

Even stronger than first time round, Michieletto's impressive staging is complemented by an outstanding double role debut from Hymel and a heartbreaking Santuzza from Elīna Garanča.

A mural depicting Etna erupting is the only hint of Sicily in Stefan Herheim’s opulent staging, returning to Covent Garden for the first time since the Royal Opera’s Verdi bicentenary celebrations in 2013. 

Hymel’s career-defining moment came in 2012 when he replaced Jonas Kaufmann a new production of Les Troyens. His career hasn't looked back since.