Saariaho's fascinating phantasmagoria: Only the Sound Remains

By David Pinedo, 17 March 2016

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Reviewed at Dutch National Opera and Ballet, Amsterdam on 15 March 2016

Saariaho, Always Strong

Saariaho, Feather Mantle

Saariaho, Only The Sound Remains

Dutch National Opera

André de Ridder, Conductor

Peter Sellars, Director

Julie Mehretu, Set Designer

Robby Duiveman, Costume Designer

Philippe Jaroussky, Spirit of the young man, Angel

Davóne Tines, Monk, Fisherman

Dudok Quartet Amsterdam

Eija Kankaanrata, Kantele

Camilla Hoitenga, Flute

Niek KleinJan, Percussion

Nora Kimball-Mentzos, Dancer

Weinberg’s The Passenger at Dutch National Opera

Clare Varney, 17th April

Tobias Kratzer's 2024 Munich production makes its way to Amsterdam, proving that Weinberg's opera has the power to transfix.

****1

Dutch National Ballet's reimagined La Bayadère triumphs

Mark Vicente, 26th March

Dutch National Ballet's new production of La Bayadère does away with the ballet’s problematic gestures and movements, allowing the choreography to truly shine.

****1

Michel van der Aa’s Theory of Flames: defining opera for a modern age

Clare Varney, 6th March

British singers Mary Bevan and Roderick Williams lead the cast in Dutch National Opera’s latest ground-breaking opera, merging live music with pre-recorded film and electronics.

****1

Dutch National Ballet brings much needed heat to this winter season

Mark Vicente, 10th February

The Dutch National Ballet helped shake off those winter blues with a mixed programme that highlighted ballet’s love affair with Latin rhythms and movement.

****1

Semele at Dutch National Opera: myth, desire and fantasy

Mengguang Huang, 23rd January

Guth’s Semele turns myth into a contemporary domestic drama, where desire becomes obsession and illusion consumes reality. Handel’s music remains the true engine, driven by a thrilling, physically intense ensemble.

****1

Dutch National Ballet's Program B is the A+ Program in New York

Ivy Lin, 21st November

Dutch National Ballet's second mixed bill at New York City Center ticked all the right boxes, showcasing the depth of talent across the whole company.

*****

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David Pinedo

Saariaho's fascinating phantasmagoria: Only the Sound Remains in Amsterdam