A Traditional but Warm-blooded Carmen

By Max Woods, 18 October 2011

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Reviewed at Nationaltheater, Munich on 15 October 2011

Bizet, Carmen

Bavarian State Opera

Dan Ettinger, Conductor

Bayerischer Staatsopernchor

Bayerisches Staatsorchester

Brandon Jovanovich, Don José

Gerald Finley, Escamillo

Vesselina Kasarova, Carmen

Aga Mikolaj, Micaëla

Nikolay Borchev, Moralès

Jones’ wicked Hänsel und Gretel returns to the Bayerische Staatsoper

Mark Pullinger, 6th December

Even without a gingerbread house, there’s enough wickedness in Richard Jones’ staging of Humperdinck’s opera for sweet tooths to savour.

****1

No fairy tale: Kušej’s Rusalka works with devastating force in Munich

Orsolya Gyárfás, 26th July

Asmik Grigorian leads a searing performance in Martin Kušej’s 15-year-old, yet ever-fresh, outstanding production of Dvořák's opera.

****1

Everlasting Everding: another beautiful Munich Zauberflöte revival

Laura Servidei, 4th January

August Everding’s Magic Flute is revived in Munich with a solid cast for the enjoyment of all ages.

***11

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Phillip Richter, 3rd November

Tobias Kratzer's prelude to this new Ring cycle exceeds all expectations and scores a musical-theatrical success.

*****

All play and no work: an exuberant Figaro in Munich

Orsolya Gyárfás, 17th July

Evgeny Titov's new production is heavy on the jokes and light in substance, but delights anyway thanks to its high-class cast.

****1

Waltzing masks and masquerades in Kosky’s new Fledermaus

Zenaida des Aubris, 23rd December

Expect sequins and swinging chandeliers in the Australian director's new Fledermaus at the Bayerische Staatsoper.

****1

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Max Woods

Max studied musicology before moving to Germany to pursue a Masters degree in music performance. He currently teaches music and English and works as a freelance journalist and performer.