Performer: Jamie Barton

Four superstars deliver dramatic moments in this revival of Sir David McVicar’s Goya-inspired staging of Verdi’s melodrama. 

Jamie Barton sings Mahler's Rückert-Lieder and a UK premiere for Julius Eastman's Second Symphony, a final love letter. 

Adele Thomas’ Royal Opera staging channels the Marx Brothers in playing it for laughs, but the musical compensations are many under Sir Antonio Pappano.

Bayrischer Staatsoper’s revival of Warlikowski’s static production of Tristan und Isolde featured a sensational role debut of Elena Pankratova as Isolde.

John Dexter's production, now among the longest-serving in the company's repertory, remains a marvel of simple, effective storytelling.

Elgar's oratorio is treated as a rousing evening’s entertainment rather than an offshoot of the Catholic liturgy, with three stellar soloists. 

The American mezzo shares her experiences of singing Mahler's emotional song collection and how important it is to tell the story in a truthful way.

Verdi wrote some terrific "larger than life" roles for mezzo-sopranos. Jamie Barton picks her favourite singers for her "top ten" playlist.