Performer: Jennifer Check

A disappointing decision to downplay the ghosts and uneven performances made for a difficult and distracting in situ staging of Britten's adaptation of the classic Henry James thriller. 

Mefistofele proves a mixed blessing: good meets evil, devils fight with angels, lovely lyricism alternates with bombast and second-rate material.

A group of excellent singers and the Orchestra of St Luke's led by Will Crutchfield succeeded in presenting a moving concert performance of Poulenc's gut-wrenching opera.