One eye wet and the other dry

By Kevin Wells, 03 October 2016

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“Fleming... can still spin and float a phrase and remains in the moment dramatically”

Reviewed at Symphony Hall, Boston on 29 September 2016

Strauss R., Der Rosenkavalier (Concert performance)

Andris Nelsons, Conductor

Renée Fleming, Feldmarschallin

Erin Morley, Sophie

Susan Graham, Octavian

Alan Opie, Herr von Faninal, Faninal's Major-Domo

Franz Hawlata, Baron Ochs

Irmgard Vilsmaier, Marianne

Michelle Trainor, A milliner

Jane Henschel, Annina

Graham Clark, Valzacchi

David Cangelosi, Feldmarschallin's Major-Domo

Stephen Costello, Italian Singer

Tanglewood Festival Chorus

Boston Symphony Orchestra

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

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

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

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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Kevin Wells

Kevin Wells was bitten by the opera bug at 10, having heard a 1936 recording of Jussi Björling singing “Che gelida manina”. He has never been the same since. A student of voice, performance practice, the history of singing and opera, he holds advanced degrees in Italian and has lived and worked in Italy off and on since the 70s. La Scala became a second home as the Met had been during college daze. Now in his native Boston, he works as translator, tutor, and language coach, haunts Symphony Hall, and would haunt the Opera House had it not been demolished in 1958!

One eye wet and the other dry: Der Rosenkavalier with the Boston Symphony