Performer: The Royal Opera

Richard Eyre’s 32-year-old production is rarely out of The Royal Opera’s repertoire for more than a few months at a time, but this particular revival proves very special. 

Andrei Șerban’s 40 year old take on Puccini's tale of the ice princess largely stands the test of time, but Netrebko and Eyvazov are short of their best form. 

Jetske Mijnssen’s house debut sees Handel’s opera transposed to a modern-day palace, with Emily D'Angelo angelic in the title role. 

A longtime connoisseur of Pushkin’s novel, Fiennes’ production will hit the boards at Palais Garnier in February 2026.

Describing the chorus of Teatro San Carlo being “made up of two rival mafia families”, the British conductor has drawn the ire of the Mayor of Naples.

We preview nine major new operas on stage this season in Europe, from composers including Unsuk Chin, Rebecca Saunders, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Philip Venables and Toshio Hosokawa.