Heartfelt Beethoven and precise Rachmaninov in Zurich

By Sarah Batschelet, 07 July 2014

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Reviewed at Tonhalle: Grosser Saal, Zurich on 6 July 2014

Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto no. 1 in F sharp minor, Op.1

Beethoven, Mass in C major, Op.86

Fabio Luisi, Conductor

Ernst Raffelsberger, Choirmaster / chorus director

Lise de la Salle, Piano

Sen Guo, Soprano

Anna Stéphany, Mezzo-soprano

Mauro Peter, Tenor

Orchester der Oper Zürich

Zurich Opera Chorus

A Rosenkavalier in vivid hues opens the Zurich Opera season

Laura Servidei, 21st September

Lydia Steier stages Strauss’ masterpiece to open Zurich Opera’s first premiere under the new artistic direction – a triumphant success.

****1

Anna Pirozzi shines as a queen bee Turandot

Laura Servidei, 3rd July

Anna Pirozzi and Piero Pretti bring Italian sunshine to Baumgarten’s confused production at the Opernhaus Zürich.

**111

A feast for the eyes and ears: Lehár’s Merry Widow in Zurich

Thomas Schacher, 20th February

Barrie Kosky stages the famous Viennese operetta as a whirlwind spectacle. Marlis Petersen shines in the title role vocally and theatrically. Michael Volle does not live up to expectations.

****1

Werther in the sky at Opernhaus Zürich

Laura Servidei, 23rd January

Benjamin Bernheim leads a very good cast in a revival of Tatjana Gürbaca's interesting 2017 production.

***11

All at sea: Herzog's nautical Pearl Fishers at Opernhaus Zürich

Laura Servidei, 29th June

The Opernhaus Zürich revives a 2011 production of Bizet’s second most famous opera, with Javier Camarena as Nadir.

***11

Lessons in Love and Violence: gorgeous tragedy without a heart

Elodie Olson-Coons, 21st May

Given a new production by Evgeny Titov, Benjamin's second full-length opera is musically brilliant, but its examination of our inner darkness lacks heart.

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Sarah Batschelet

Sarah Batschlelet, long based in Switzerland, took a degree in Art History from Smith College, Northampton, Massachuetts, and lives as a freelance writer and editor near Zurich.