Performer: Riccardo Frizza

The role of Elvira in Bellini’s I puritani contains the most challenging mad scenes in all opera, but soprano Lisette Oropesa dazzles on the opening night of Richard Jones’ new production.

Andreas Homoki’s staging at the Teatro di San Carlo, setting aside a few inconsistencies with the libretto, does not indulge in redundant symbolism. 

Vanessa Beecroft’s production of Ennio Morricone’s demanding sole opera relies on strong visual images. 

A new Medea at the Teatro di San Carlo presents three distinct visions – neoclassical in the pit, expressionistic on stage and conceptual in the direction – that never fully merge.

Francesco Micheli reimagines Caterina Cornaro in a contemporary setting, switching to the historical past, to open this year’s Donizetti Opera festival in the composer’s home town.

Bergamo’s Donizetti Opera festival was the opportunity “to give a signal that it’s still possible to stage opera and to do it well.”