Dying of shame: Rattle and the LSO excel in a superb Jenůfa

Agneta Eichenholz and the London Symphony Orchestra

Katarina Karnéus and Aleš Briscein

The cast, London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

Agneta Eichenholz, Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra

By Roy Westbrook, 12 January 2024

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“Rattle’s belief in this opera was everywhere evident”

Reviewed at Barbican Hall, London on 11 January 2024

Janáček, Jenůfa (concert performance)

Sir Simon Rattle, Conductor

London Symphony Orchestra

London Symphony Chorus

Agneta Eichenholz, Jenůfa

Katarina Karnéus, Kostelnička

Nicky Spence, Števa Buryja

Aleš Briscein, Laca Klemeň

Carole Wilson, Grandmother Buryjovka

Claire Barnett-Jones, Barena, Pastuchyňa

Jan Martiník, Mayor, Stárek, Mill foreman

Erika Baikoff, Jano

Evelin Novak, Karolka

Hanna Hipp, Mayor's wife

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

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

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.