Performer: Desirée Baraula

Mariame Clément's hilarious and brilliantly original staging of Rossini's opera buffa is served with a generous helping of Rossinian bel canto. Who could ask for more?

The revival of Calixto Bieito's Carmen in Oslo proves a bumpy ride, with uneven singing and orchestral playing, saved by Katarina Bradić's captivating portrayal of the title heroine.

With his first foray into Rossini, Norwegian director Stefan Herheim turns La Cenerentola into a brilliantly funny spectacle, filled with thought provoking humour and outstanding singing.