Performer: Jamie Barton

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 Metropolitan Opera performs the original French version of Don Carlos for the first time with a distinguished ensemble of soloists, but the static production offers no new insights into the depth of Verdi's masterpiece.

The Festival d'Aix-en-Provence gives us a definitive performance of Wagner's opera – but for listening only.