A powerful Peter Grimes in Edinburgh

By David Smythe, 14 August 2017

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“The orchestra played as if blown across the North Sea from Norway by a huge monster of a storm”

Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 13 August 2017

Britten, Peter Grimes (Concert performance)

Edward Gardner, Conductor

Stuart Skelton, Peter Grimes

Erin Wall, Ellen Orford

Christopher Purves, Captain Balstrode

Susan Bickley, Auntie

Robert Murray, Bob Boles

Hanna Husáhr, First Niece

Vibeke Kristensen, Second Niece

Barnaby Rea, Hobson

James Gilchrist, Rev Horace Adams

Andrew Greenan, Swallow

Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Mrs Sedley

Marcus Farnsworth, Ned Keene

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Edvard Grieg Choir

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

Welsh National Opera’s Dutchman docks in Birmingham

Rohan Shotton, 7th May

This bracing performance of The Flying Dutchman is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary musical standards which are at risk in the face of WNO’s subsidy cuts.

****1

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

Peter Grimes drops anchor again at The Royal Opera

Christopher Woodley, 5th May

Allan Clayton and Sir Bryn Terfel lead a strong cast in a revival of Deborah Warner's dark staging of Britten's signature work at Covent Garden.

****1

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

Edward Gardner and the Bergen Phil storm the Edinburgh Festival with a powerful Peter Grimes