Performer: Heather Engebretson

Katie Mitchell wheels out her tired old tropes in The Makropulos Case, redeemed by its musical performances. 

Laurent Pelly's long-standing production of Offenbach's opéra-fantastique returns to the Deutsche Oper Berlin, under the baton of Emmanuel Villaume.

Edward Gardner brings out the Wagner influence in Massenet's opulent score, Juan Diego Flórez give a persuasive performance in the title role.

Deutsche Oper Berlin staged an ambitious production by Laurence Pelly with mixed results. The performance included new discoveries and young singers brought fresh energy to the evening.

Wagner's storytelling shines brightly with the aid of a cast well out of the ordinary. Vinke, Stemme, Siegel and Lundgren make part 3 of The Ring an unforgettable evening of opera.

A musically strong revival of an austere production still leaves one feeling short-changed.