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Gore and psychotic desire: Irish National Opera stages a magnificent Salome

Sinéad Campbell-Wallace
© Patricio Cassinoni
Tómas Tómasson (Jochanaan) and Sinéad Campbell-Wallace (Salome)
© Patricio Cassinoni
Sinéad Campbell-Wallace (Salome), Imelda Drumm (Herodias) and ensemble
© Patricio Cassinoni
Sinéad Campbell-Wallace (Saome) and Tómas Tómasson (Jochanaan)
© Patricio Cassinoni
Salome final scene
© Patricio Cassinoni
By Andrew Larkin, 13 March 2024
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“Strauss’ score still fascinates with its glittering, sensual harmonies”
Reviewed at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin on 12 March 2024
Programme
Strauss R., Salome
Performers
Irish National Opera
Fergus Sheil, Conductor
Bruno Ravella, Director
Leslie Travers, Set Designer, Costume Designer
Ciaran Bagnall, Lighting Designer
Irish National Opera Orchestra
Sinéad Campbell Wallace, Salome
Vincent Wolfsteiner, Herodes
Imelda Drumm, Herodias
Tómas Tómasson, Jochanaan
Alexander McKissick, Narraboth
Doreen Curran, Herodias' Page
Wyn Pencarreg, 1st Nazarene
Eoin Foran, 2nd Nazarene
Julian Close, 1st Soldier
Lukas Jakobski, 2nd Soldier
Christopher Bowen, 1st Jew
Andrew Masterson, 2nd Jew
William Pearson, 3rd Jew
Aaron O'Hare, 4th Jew
Eoghan Desmond, 5th Jew
Kevin Neville, Cappadocian
Leanne Fitzgerald, A slave
Liz Roche, Choreography
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****1
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Strong vocals from the three principal singers and a sure musical direction from young conductor Farrell help offset some of the less than convincing elements to Olivia Fuchs' production. 
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More reviews...
Read reviews of
Aaron O'HareAndrew MastersonBruno RavellaChristopher BowenCiaran BagnallDoreen CurranEoin ForanFergus SheilImelda DrummIrish National OperaIrish National Opera OrchestraJulian CloseKevin NevilleLeanne FitzgeraldLeslie TraversLukas JakobskiRichard StraussSalomeSinéad Campbell WallaceTómas TómassonVincent WolfsteinerWilliam PearsonWyn Pencarreg
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Andrew Larkin
Andrew Larkin
Andrew Larkin is a pianist, composer and teacher from Dublin. Educated at Dublin and at Cambridge, he has performed all around Europe and Mexico. He currently teaches piano and composition in Dublin.