Performer: Zoryana Kushpler

The current stage-setting of Arabella at the Wiener Staatsoper proves that “all that’s Glittenberg” is not gold.

German theatre director Uwe Eric Laufenberg freely incorporates some of Stanley Kubrik’s horror story concepts into his Elektra, but in ignoring both Sophocles and Strauss, is a long way from shining.  

A festive air was palpable – the house was technically sold out – as the first of a set of three Ring cycles launched at the Wiener Staatsoper. 

Tchaikovsky’s passionate drama is put into the deep-freeze by chilly stage designs.

An unsympathetic production of La traviata fails to impress at the Staatsoper. 

Who needs scenery anyway? A blistering Elektra from Semyon Bychkov, starring Christine Goerke, lights up the BBC Proms by sheer force of performance.