Performer: Sarah Castle

Director Anapela Polata’ivao handles her mixed forces of amateurs and professionals with seamless assurance, the crowds’ movements across the stage showing both clarity and intent. 

The Zurich opera house launches a novel production of Stefan Wirth's new opera in three movements based on the popular 1999 novel by Tracy Chevalier. 

Nine symphonies, five orchestras, two days: an immersive weekend as part of the Barbican's Beethoven 250 coverage featuring some of the UK's finest orchestras. 

The final instalment of the Hong Kong Philharmonic's Ring cycle merits the orchestra joining the international big league. 

André Tchaikowsky's version of The Merchant of Venice combines his love of Shakespeare with his recollections of a harsh childhood as a Jew in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Crowning this cycle came a truly magnificent performance of Götterdämmerung, centred very much on Richard Farnes and his orchestra.