Performer: Nicole Chevalier

Late step-in Nicole Chevalier, baritone-turned-director Matthias Goerne and conductor Frank Beermann combine their talents to create a landmark production at the Capitole de Toulouse.

Salome is faceless and the Dance of the Seven Veils becomes a sardonic commentary on seduction in Komische Oper Berlin's austere new staging. 

Peter Konwitschny's production of La traviata has its flaws, but in an age of protracted media there is much to be said for his taut production of Verdi's most famous tragedy. 

House debutants, soprano Nicole Chevalier and conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya, excel in Isabella Bywater's Górecki staging to close English National Opera's season.

Unimpeachable voices and fine playing light up The Royal Opera's latest revival of Kasper Holten's dark staging.

A pared back production is required in these Covid times: as little physical contact as possible, no chorus on stage, and tempi brisk and alert to keep the audience in the house for as short a time as possible.