Performer: Richard Farnes

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. 

Richard Farnes returns to Opera North to conduct and Sam Brown directs a concert staging of Wagner's final opera, Parsifal. 

How do you like your Tchaikovsky and Sibelius? Great music admits of several approaches, often challenging traditional views. Noa Wildschut's violin and the RPO under Richard Farnes show why expectations are not always met.

Natalya Romaniw, a diva to her fingertips, proves an ideal Floria Tosca in ENO's open-air performance at the South Facing Festival in Crystal Palace Bowl.

Benjamin Britten's final opera hasn't been staged by The Royal Opera in over 25 years, but his setting of Thomas Mann's Death in Venice receives a great new production by Sir David McVicar. 

Director Louisa Muller overcomes the problems of opening a ghost story in natural daylight to deliver plenty of operatic chills.