Performer: Mara Blumenfeld

The Australian Ballet’s current production of Swan Lake is ballet at its best: beautiful classical dance and music, intense emotion, exquisite costumes, dramatic sets and lighting.

The Metropolitan Opera's new produdtion of Rusalka fails to explore a deeper complexity of the fairy tale, although a strong ensemble of singers and the superb Met Orchestra make it a musically compelling performance.

The Met's revival of Lucia di Lammermoor was a collaborative success, with singers, orchestra and chorus cohering well.