Performer: Christine Rice

Finding a partner for Bartók's creepy one-acter is a thorny problem, but Welsh National Opera pairs it with Stravinsky's ‘opera-oratorio’ for its season opener. 

Launching that most ambitious of endeavours, a Ring cycle, Grange Park Opera’s production of Das Rheingold proves a real achievement, led by the superb Alberich of David Stout.

Allan Clayton and Sir Bryn Terfel lead a strong cast in a revival of Deborah Warner's dark staging of Britten's signature work at Covent Garden. 

Warner once again displays her unquestionable talent onstage and her affinity with Benjamin Britten, although, on this occasion, the musical aspect are not equally satisfactory.

Anneliese Miskimmon's ENO production of Jake Heggie and Terence McNally's tale of crime, repentance, compassion and redemption compels from start to finish.

Following her Billy Budd and Peter Grimes, Deborah Warner directs a third Britten opera at the Teatro Costanzi.