Performer: Orchestra de Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège

The Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège takes a risk in mounting a new, but traditional production of the more rarely heard French version of Verdi’s Don Carlos and succeeds with a great ensemble of singers. 

Stefano Mazzonis di Pralafera's staging for Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège is stolid in direction, but Speranza Scappucci breathes life into Verdi's drama from the pit. 

Cura's powerful spinto tenor impressed from his opening “Esultate!” and left no doubt as to the Moor's authority.

Stefano Mazzonis di Pralafera, artistic director at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, presents at plucky new staging of Verdi's rarely seen Jérusalem. 

The recently-refurbished Opéra Royal de Wallonie dominates the Place de l’Opéra in the Belgian city of Liège, not only with its imposing columned portico but with its new fly-tower which rears above it.

As I made my way to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a mass of photographers and guests dressed in their evening best waited eagerly by the front doors. Alas, this reception was not for me, but rather for the Prince and Princess of Belgium, the evening’s guests and the very reason behind the concert.

Get set to head on your operatic travels as the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège takes audiences to Japan, Peru, Eldorado and even to ancient Babylon in its 2019-20 season under music director Speranza Scappucci.