Performer: Marie Šimůnková

Alice Nellis' staging of Purcell's masterpiece is both historically faithful and innovatively modern. With Collegium 1704 providing the early music chops, it's a rare treat.

The director drains the life out of an impassioned opera with a staging devoid of authenticity and ideas.

Superb singing and brilliant work in the pit can't quite rescue Jiří Nekvasil's overambitious production.