Performer: Erich Wonder

The set is a stark, grubby nonentity. A central concave structure spits out each scene's requisites, flashing up like apparitions from the vortex of Wozzeck's mind.

This revival of Peter Mussbach's production of Macbeth is devoid of props and places the focus squarely on singers and orchestra. This challenge was splendidly met by Plácido Domingo, making a role debut as Macbeth, and Liudmyla Monastyrska.

A dark and minimalist take on Verdi's beloved La Traviata misses the point at the Staatsoper im Schiller Theater in Berlin. Only the Staatskapelle Berlin orchestra and Alfredo Daza (Germont) emerge with credit.