Illuminating history-makers: Nixon in China lands in Madrid

Alfred Kim (Mao), Leigh Melrose (Nixon),Sandra Ferrández, Gemma Coma-Alabert and Ekaterina Antípova

Jacques Imbrailo (Chou En-Lai), Alfred Kim (Mao) and Audrey Luna (Chiang Ching)

Sarah Tynan (Pat Nixon) and dancer

Jacques Imbrailo (Chou En-Lai), Alfred Kim (Mao), Leigh Melrose (Nixon) and Borja Quiza (Kissinger)

By David Karlin, 18 April 2023

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“the young Korean produced a truly extraordinary piece of conducting”

Reviewed at Teatro Real: Sala Principal, Madrid on 17 April 2023

Adams, Nixon in China

Teatro Real

Olivia Lee-Gunderman, Conductor

Kornilios Michailidis, Conductor

John Fulljames, Director

Dick Bird, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Ellen Ruge, Lighting Designer

Orquesta Titular del Teatro Real

Coro Titular del Teatro Real

William Duke, Video

Sarah Tynan, Pat Nixon

Leigh Melrose, Richard Nixon

Alfred Kim, Mao Zedong

Jacques Imbrailo, Chou En-lai

Audrey Luna, Madame Mao, Chiang Ch'ing

Borja Quiza, Henry Kissinger

Sandra Ferrández, Nancy Tang (First Secretary)

Gemma Coma-Alabert, Second Secretary

Ekaterina Antipova, Third Secretary

John Ross, Choreography

Deborah Warner attains her theatrical dream at the Teatro Real

Juan José Freijo, 12th March

Warner once again displays her unquestionable talent onstage and her affinity with Benjamin Britten, although, on this occasion, the musical aspect are not equally satisfactory.

***11

The martyrs and the oppressed: Peter Grimes at Teatro Real Madrid

Juan José Freijo, 19th April

The new production of Peter Grimes stands out as the strongest item in Teatro Real's season, with magnificent staging by Deborah Warner and superb musical direction by Ivor Bolton, with outstanding vocal and dramatic performances.

*****

Reality as a staging concept: La traviata at Teatro Real, Madrid

Juan José Freijo, 22nd July

In this historic reopening, Lisette Oropesa offers a magnificent performance, dramatically overwhelming and vocally very unique.

****1

La Veronal heads Into the Little Hill in Madrid

John Marten Barnard, 15th February

The Teatros del Canal host the Benjamin–Crimp partnership’s thrillingly dark, lyric retelling of Robert Browning’s famous 1842 poem The Pied Piper of Hamelin by La Veronal dance company.

*****

A disappointing new Falstaff from Laurent Pelly at the Teatro Real

Fernando Remiro, 25th April

Comedy fails to spark in Laurent Pelly's new production of Falstaff at the Teatro Real.

**111

Je suis narcissiste premières in Madrid

Fernando Remiro, 6th March

Raquel García-Tomás's new chamber opera is a mild comedy about narcissism, brought to life by a clever production and a strong cast.

***11

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David Karlin

David is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.

Illuminating history-makers: Nixon in China lands at Teatro Real in Madrid