David Alden's new Maria Stuarda disappoints in Zurich

By Sarah Batschelet, 12 April 2018

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

Reviewed at Opernhaus, Zurich on 11 April 2018

Donizetti, Maria Stuarda

Zurich Opera

Enrique Mazzola, Conductor

David Alden, Director

Gideon Davey, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Serena Farnocchia, Elisabetta

Diana Damrau, Maria Stuarda

Pavol Breslik, Earl of Leicester

Nicolas Testé, Talbot

Hamida Kristoffersen, Anna

Andrzej Filończyk, Cecil

Orchester der Oper Zürich

Zurich Opera Chorus

A Baroque Netflix evening: Zurich’s star-studded Giulio Cesare

Mengguang Huang, 28th March

Davide Livermore’s high-octane production transforms Handel into a lavish blockbuster. While the superstars shine, the relentless entertainment-first approach often sacrifices musical refinement and dramatic logic for Netflix-style spectacle.

***11

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

Handel’s Serse as a quirky modern tale in Zurich

Laura Servidei, 29th September

Christophe Dumaux shines as Arsamene in Nina Russi’s enjoyable production of Handel’s masterpiece revived at the Opernhaus Zürich under the baton of Enrico Onofri.

***11

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

More reviews...

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.

Defiling the throne: David Alden's cumbersome Maria Stuarda disappoints in Zurich