Performer: Charlotte Hellekant

Strauss' 'conversation piece' of an opera is given a warmly sympathetic production with the musical rewards coming as much from the pit as the stage.

And well should the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra celebrate too, if this concert is any indication of the quality of music-making to come.

Sasha Waltz’s new production of Monteverdi’s Orfeo saw a fusion of sound and movement at the Muziektheater Amsterdam, with dancers and singers twining together almost indistinguishably.