An inspired programme of American Music in Zurich

By Sarah Batschelet, 02 November 2014

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Reviewed at Opernhaus, Zurich on 31 October 2014

Bernstein, Candide (Overture and excerpts)

Herbert, Naughty Marietta (Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life)

Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue

Barber, Adagio for Strings, Op.11

Gershwin, An American in Paris

Fabio Luisi, Conductor

Julie Fuchs, Soprano

Benjamin Bernheim, Tenor

Sebastian Knauer, Piano

Orchester der Oper Zürich

A Rosenkavalier in vivid hues opens the Zurich Opera season

Laura Servidei, 21st September

Lydia Steier stages Strauss’ masterpiece to open Zurich Opera’s first premiere under the new artistic direction – a triumphant success.

****1

Anna Pirozzi shines as a queen bee Turandot

Laura Servidei, 3rd July

Anna Pirozzi and Piero Pretti bring Italian sunshine to Baumgarten’s confused production at the Opernhaus Zürich.

**111

A feast for the eyes and ears: Lehár’s Merry Widow in Zurich

Thomas Schacher, 20th February

Barrie Kosky stages the famous Viennese operetta as a whirlwind spectacle. Marlis Petersen shines in the title role vocally and theatrically. Michael Volle does not live up to expectations.

****1

Werther in the sky at Opernhaus Zürich

Laura Servidei, 23rd January

Benjamin Bernheim leads a very good cast in a revival of Tatjana Gürbaca's interesting 2017 production.

***11

All at sea: Herzog's nautical Pearl Fishers at Opernhaus Zürich

Laura Servidei, 29th June

The Opernhaus Zürich revives a 2011 production of Bizet’s second most famous opera, with Javier Camarena as Nadir.

***11

Lessons in Love and Violence: gorgeous tragedy without a heart

Elodie Olson-Coons, 21st May

Given a new production by Evgeny Titov, Benjamin's second full-length opera is musically brilliant, but its examination of our inner darkness lacks heart.

****1

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Sarah Batschelet

Sarah Batschlelet, long based in Switzerland, took a degree in Art History from Smith College, Northampton, Massachuetts, and lives as a freelance writer and editor near Zurich.

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