Performer: Grisha Martirosyan

Pimpinone was conceived as a musical interlude – or intermezzo – between acts of Handel’s Tamerlano. Here, it marks the first time a Telemann opera has been staged at Covent Garden. 

As Richard Eyre’s staging reaches its 30th anniversary, a new Violetta arrives on the Royal Opera block in what proves to be one of the best revivals in recent years. 

Aigul Akhmetshina is outstanding in the title role, hearing Piotr Beczała is a privilege, but it's Damiano Michieletto's new staging that takes the honours.