Malin Byström stars in a radiant Capriccio to close the EIF

Malin Byström and Bo Skovhus

Capriccio at the Edinburgh International Festival

By David Smythe, 26 August 2024

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“a radiant performance of the final monologue, a gorgeous piece”

Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 25 August 2024

Strauss R., Capriccio

Alexander Soddy, Conductor

Philharmonia Orchestra

Malin Byström, The Countess

Dame Sarah Connolly, Clairon

Sebastian Kohlhepp, Flamand

Joshua Hopkins, Olivier

Peter Rose, La Roche

Bo Skovhus, The Count

Emma Morwood, Italian singer (female)

John Irvin, Italian singer (male)

Rodell Rosel, Monsieur Taupe

Reinhard Hagen, Haushofmeister, Bass

Chiaroscuro extinguished: a self-indulgent Poppea in Copenhagen

Mengguang Huang, 26th April

Christoph Marthaler’s staging of Monteverdi’s Poppea for the Royal Danish Opera is a study in boredom.

**111

Romeo Castellucci directs a new Pelléas et Mélisande at La Scala

Laura Servidei, 26th April

The Italian director makes his long-awaited Italian operatic debut at the Teatro alla Scala in a production which perfectly mirrors Debussy’s most enigmatic creation.

****1

Wretches like us: the LPO’s concert Wozzeck cuts to the quick

Peter Quantrill, 25th April

Beautifully prepared singing and playing brings out the tender side to Berg's modernist classic as part of the Southbank Centre’s Multitudes festival.

****1

Lepage’s Bluebeard and Erwartung pairing remains compelling theatre

John Gilks, 25th April

Some 30 years after its first appearance, Robert Lepage’s double bill of Duke Bluebeards Castle and Erwartung is still strikingly effective and very modern-looking music theatre.

*****

Trojan’s Carousel: a magical night of dreams come true in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 23rd April

A vintage opera at the National Theatre offers charming adventures for children and musical sophistication for adults.

*****

A sorta fairy tale: Sleepers Awake premieres at Opera Philadelphia

Cameron Kelsall, 22nd April

A new opera by Gregory Spears subverts the Sleeping Beauty trope, with middling results.

**111

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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.

Malin Byström stars in a radiant Capriccio to close the Edinburgh International Festival