Breaking bonds: a staged Messiah from Wild Arts

Edward Hawkins and Wild Arts Ensemble

By Dominic Lowe, 11 December 2025

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“we bear witness to their struggles and joys as they grapple with events the oratorio depicts”

Reviewed at Smith Square Hall, London on 9 December 2025

Handel, Messiah

Tom Morris, Director

Sofia Kirwan-Baez, Soprano

Joanna Songi, Soprano

Martha Jones, Mezzo-soprano

Kate Symonds-Joy, Mezzo-soprano

Guy Elliott, Tenor

Harry Jacques, Tenor

Timothy Nelson, Bass-baritone

Edward Hawkins, Bass

Wild Arts Ensemble

Orlando Jopling, Director

Eugene Onegin on the road: Wild Arts plays Opera Holland Park

Mark Pullinger, 14th August

Tchaikovsky stipulated that a staging of Eugene Onegin need not be lavish but should be kept in period. He would have been satisfied with the results here.

***11

Eugene Onegin on the road: Wild Arts plays Opera Holland Park

Mark Pullinger, 14th August

Tchaikovsky stipulated that a staging of Eugene Onegin need not be lavish but should be kept in period. He would have been satisfied with the results here.

***11

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Chanda VanderHart, 13th June

An energized cast delivers in a visually eye-popping production as Monteverdi's opera appears at the Haus am Ring for the very first time.

****1

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Brian Angus, 13th March

Breaking the Waves is a remarkable opera. Scottish Opera has brought a thrilling cast, orchestra and team to Adelaide, and its audiences are all the richer for it.

*****

Mazzoli’s luminous Breaking the Waves receives European premiere

David Smythe, 21st August

Sydney Mancasola gives a towering performance in Scottish Opera's new production by Tom Morris.

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Stunning Met production of The Death of Klinghoffer

Rebecca Lentjes, 24th October

David Robertson carried the Met Orchestra through one of the most brilliantly-conducted performances I’ve witnessed, though the music itself was not always impressive.

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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.

Breaking bonds: a staged Messiah from Wild Arts in Smith Square Hall