Hrůša conducts a flawed Don Giovanni in Bamberg

By Mark Valencia, 04 December 2017

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

Reviewed at Konzerthalle Bamberg: Joseph Keilberth Saal, Bamberg on 1 December 2017

Mozart, Don Giovanni (konzertante Aufführung)

Jakub Hrůša, Conductor

Christian Gerhaher, Don Giovanni

Simona Šaturová, Donna Anna

Layla Claire, Donna Elvira

Sophie Karthäuser, Zerlina

Tareq Nazmi, Leporello

Martin Mitterrutzner, Don Ottavio

Božidar Smiljanić, Masetto

Goran Jurić, The Commendatore

Bamberg Symphony

Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno

Petr Fiala, Choirmaster / chorus director

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

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

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

Welsh National Opera’s Dutchman docks in Birmingham

Rohan Shotton, 7th May

This bracing performance of The Flying Dutchman is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary musical standards which are at risk in the face of WNO’s subsidy cuts.

****1

More reviews...

Mark Valencia

Mark has worked in arts journalism for four decades, both as a writer and as a French-English translator. Nowadays he focuses his energies on reviewing opera and music. Mark also writes for Opera magazine and for Musical America as a correspondent for Europe and the UK.