Performer: Orchestre de la Suisse Romande

A century on from its birth, one of Switzerland’s leading orchestras finally makes its Proms debut in a scintillating programme of French and Russian music.

Plasson shows all his experience; Lavaudant surprises and delights with his direction; a strong cast sing their hearts out. Who can ask for more?

The performance bids for musical purity, but ends up stripped of story and emotion as well. 

A strong, compelling staging – coherent in aesthetic and philosophy, if a little restrained in performance. 

A Manon as sexy and unsteady as its heroine.

A huge revolving grey monolith centre stage dominated a grey floor, grey props and men in grey costumes, all detracting from the gaiety Verdi envisaged as the essence of Falstaff.