Performer: Oleg Caetani

This revival of Catherine Malfitano’s excellent 2010 production features some splendid singing from Gwyn Hughes Jones as Cavaradossi – but is let down by some poor diction and varying drama.

Sydney's Indian Summer brightened by Russian themes. 

La Verdi dispatched each of the works with panaché under audience favourite Oleg Caetani. There is plenty of swagger to their playing at present – a Gallic cock with plenty of feathers in its tail.

Director Ole Anders Tandberg's new production of Shostakovich's Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District is gloriously sung, but the violent and vulgar production has a tendency to go overboard.

The Royal Opera House revives Jonathan Kent's traditional production, but with a crucial lack of magnetism between hero and heroine, Puccini's taut thriller feels somewhat muzzled.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra presented a versatile and truly international menu to its audience last week in a thrice-programmed concert titled “Heavenly Schubert” although it was Shostakovich who proved the strongest draw.