René Jacobs’ theatrical Entführung

By Nicolas Nguyen, 21 September 2014

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“one thing is sure: Jacobs' approach is always going to be quite different”

Reviewed at Concertgebouw: Main Hall, Amsterdam on 20 September 2014

Mozart, Die Entführung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Harem)

René Jacobs, Conductor

Mari Eriksmoen, Blonde

Robin Johannsen, Konstanze

Maximilian Schmitt, Belmonte

Julian Prégardien, Pedrillo

Dimitry Ivashchenko, Osmin

Cornelius Obonya, Bassa Selim

Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin

Cappella Amsterdam

Richard Jones’ clunky Samson et Dalila returns to Covent Garden

Dominic Lowe, 13th May

With Aigul Akhmetshina and Seokjong Baek in the title roles, there are reasons to be optimistic, but The Royal Opera’s revival of Richard Jones’ production is a mixed bag.

***11

Reality television: ENO’s Angel’s Bone in Manchester

Lawrence Dunn, 12th May

Kip Williams and ENO mount an extraordinary new production of Du Yun and Royce Vavrek’s multifaceted opera, with performances of great emotional directness broadcast live on camera.

*****

Sir Thomas Allen’s Figaro for Scottish Opera still entertains

David Smythe, 9th May

A traditional Marriage of Figaro entertains with a strong cast, eye-catching design and lighting, and Amanda Holden’s earthy libretto.

****1

Sasha Cooke brings sharp intelligence to Seattle Opera’s Carmen

Thomas May, 8th May

Sasha Cooke’s thoughtful role debut anchors Paul Curran’s visually and musically alert but dramatically uneven production.

****1

Rossini’s Cenerentola proves great fun in Adelaide

Sandra Bowdler, 7th May

Neil Armfield’s production for State Opera South Australia combines a sparkling night of entertainment with first class musical values.

****1

Werther oozes quiet despair in new Canadian Opera Company staging

John Gilks, 7th May

Excellent performances cannot turn a conventional production of Massenet’s Werther into a dramatic experience for the 21st century.

***11

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Nicolas Nguyen

Nicolas is a French Amsterdammer, e-commerce professional and a bit of an opera buff. His experience in the area of music is that of a dilettante. His passion for the opera and vocal music comes from his love for both music and languages which are so perfectly combined in these art forms.

René Jacobs’ theatrical Entführung aus dem Serail at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam