Performer: Manuel Pierattelli

The Magic Flute's roots in popular theatre come through most strongly throughout Vick's production, which sparkles with a wealth of witty detail. But treatment of the work's socio-political undercurrents doesn't work nearly as well.

The big season opener at La Scala offers few surprises in a traditional staging, although Yusif Eyvazov proved his worth in the title role. 

For such a young conductor of unassuming stature, Gamba exudes surprising authority, bringing off players with a swipe and reaching out far from the pit to coordinate distant chorus members.

Roberto Frontali is a stern, chillingly immobile Iago, armed with a brassy voice and a cleanness of diction that sees him carve Boito's text with surgical precision.

Daniela Dessì and Fabio Armiliato make their role debuts in the first production of Umberto Giordano's Fedora at the Teatro Carlo Felice for 15 years.