Performer: Hugh Cutting

Despite excellent vocal performances, David Alden’s production of Giulio Cesare in Egitto aims at irreverence but overplays the comedy.

Christopher Alden’s Olivier Award-winning production of Handel’s Partenope returns to the Coliseum, but it's the singing that earns the plaudits. 

Projection proves a problem for the singers, but this Theodora at BOZAR is nevertheless full of musical and spiritual beauty.

Karina Canellakis brings a riot of Technicolor to the Edinburgh International Festival, but countertenor Hugh Cutting threatens to steal the show in Chichester Psalms.

Ruth Knight untangles Handel's Rodelinda, directing a new staging at Garsington which features a feast of fine singing. 

Principal Conductor Bernard Labadie leads the Orchestra of St Luke’s in a superbly sung and played performance of Bach’s fiery and dramatic St John Passion. 

The British countertenor, who’s riding the crest of a wave this year, talks about his passion for good storytelling in opera, his favourite roles and the art of Zen Buddhism.

The legendary mezzo-soprano Agnes Baltsa received a standing ovation while collecting her Lifetime Achievement Award, while other awards went to artists and companies from around the globe.

With so many talented young artists appearing in this season, editor Mark Pullinger selects ten we’re particularly excited to follow this year.