The Flying Dutchman sails into Bergen

By Dominic Lowe, 12 March 2018

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Reviewed at Grieg Hall (Grieghallen), Bergen on 10 March 2018

Wagner, Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman)

Bergen National Opera

Eun Sun Kim, Conductor

John Ramster, Director

Bridget Kimak, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Iain Paterson, Dutchman

Elisabeth Teige, Senta

Eric Halfvarson, Daland

Sergei Skorokhodov, Erik

Tuija Knihtilä, Mary

Bror Magnus Tødenes, The Steersman

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Edvard Grieg Choir

Håkon Matti Skrede, Choirmaster / chorus director

Jean Kalman, Lighting Designer

Echo of a silent scream: Asle and Alida premieres in Bergen

Christopher Woodley, 29th March

Jon Fosse's bleak tale of alienation is graced with fine performances from a strong cast and excellent playing by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under Johannes Gustavsson.

***11

Edward Gardner conducts a sharp La clemenza di Tito live from Bergen

Mark Valencia, 15th March

Mary Miller bows out after ten years at the helm of Bergen National Opera with a defiant account of Mozart’s final opera.

****1

A staged Messiah that sheds little light on Handel's oratorio

Mark Valencia, 1st June

Netia Jones is a visionary stage practitioner, but this show is a rare misjudgement.

***11

A stellar Peter Grimes in Bergen

Mark Valencia, 30th May

This Peter Grimes was a tale of two talents: the conductor and the star.

*****

Il turco in Italia puts ashore in Bergen

David Karlin, 25th March

Mark Lamos' staging is a riot of colour and movement; George Souglides gives us a masterclass in costumery; fine Italian singing illuminates this Norwegian première for Rossini's madcap Il turco in Italia.

****1

Sensitive negotiations: Handel's Radamisto, Guildhall

Charlotte Valori, 5th June

Superb singing and skilful acting make a good case for Radamisto in a conceptually ambitious new production which, while not entirely successful, is well worth seeing.

***11

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Dominic Lowe

Dominic Lowe recently completed a degree in Classics, and one of his great interests is the reception of Greece and Rome in opera. A regular opera-goer since his very early teens, he is particularly keen on the hidden operatic gems of the 19th century. He is largely based in the South of England.