Life after love: a devastating La rondine from Pappano and the LSO

Michael Fabiano and Carolina López Moreno

Carolina López Moreno, Sir Antonio Pappano and the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

By Dominic Lowe, 11 December 2024

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“wafts of incense hazing across the Parisian landscape that he conjured so effortlessly”

Reviewed at Barbican Hall, London on 10 December 2024

Puccini, La rondine (concert performance with surtitles)

Sir Antonio Pappano, Conductor

London Symphony Orchestra

London Symphony Chorus

Carolina López Moreno, Magda

Serena Gamberoni, Lisette

Paul Appleby, Prunier

Michael Fabiano, Ruggero

Angela Schisano, Bianca

Sarah Dufresne, Yvette

Marvic Monreal, Suzy

Ashley Riches, Rambaldo

A noble Norma trapped in a hollow dystopia

Andrew Larkin, 24th May

Salome Jicia delivers a vocally impressive and emotionally committed Norma, but Orpha Phelan’s post-apocalyptic staging fatally weakens Bellini’s sacred tragedy.

***11

Superb musical performances in Pinchgut's Scarlatti rarity in Sydney

Sandra Bowdler, 23rd May

As usual, Pinchgut lavishes musical excellence on an obscure Baroque work... but why stage an oratorio?

****1

A deli-cious revival of Rossini’s Il turco in Italia at Glyndebourne

Dominic Lowe, 23rd May

Mariame Clément’s production of Rossini's meta comedy is tightly revived with some excellent singing. Come for the writing tips, stay for the cured meats.

****1

The Met’s Frida y Diego proves visually stunning, musically thrilling

David Wolfson, 22nd May

Deborah Colker and her design team create visually vibrant worlds for the Met’s new production of El último sueño de Frida y Diego, by Pulitzer Prize winner Gabriela Lena Frank.

*****

Glyndebourne’s first Tosca: vocally strong but imperfect

David Karlin, 21st May

Ted Huffman brings some interesting ideas to his first Glyndebourne production. Excellent singing is let down by indifferent physical acting.

***11

Dudamel’s LA Phil Walküre proves worth the wait

Matthew Richard Martinez, 21st May

An enveloping performance of Die Walküre spans three consecutive evenings, featuring world class singing in Frank Gehry’s stunning space.

****1

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Dominic Lowe

Dominic Lowe recently completed a degree in Classics, and one of his great interests is the reception of Greece and Rome in opera. A regular opera-goer since his very early teens, he is particularly keen on the hidden operatic gems of the 19th century. He is largely based in the South of England.