Performer: Garsington Opera

Paul Curran’s 2019 production is revived with some flair by Rosie Purdie, with a fine cast led by Pumeza Matshikiza.

An excellent singing cast combine with Bruno Ravella's sensitive direction and brilliant orchestral playing to bring to life Strauss' heady mix of farce and high art.

Robert Murray excels as the eponymous king in the opera seria that cemented the 14-year old Mozart’s position as the next big thing. 

Come for the shave, stay for the comedy. Christopher Luscombe's new production of Rossini's beloved opera buffa avoids overcomplicating the plot, letting the work's humour and the abilities of the principals shine. 

Louisa Muller returns to revive her 2019 production, preserving the ambiguity – did the Governess see these things or imagine them? 

It's taken two years for Jack Furness' new production of Dvořák's greatest opera to reach the Garsington stage, but it is entirely worth the wait, with a breathtaking performance from Natalya Romaniw in the title role.