Oh, Susanna!

By Catriona Graham, 07 May 2016

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Reviewed at Stadthalle, Göttingen on 5 May 2016

Handel, Susanna

Laurence Cummings, Conductor

Emily Fons, Susanna

Christopher Lowrey, Joacim

Colin Balzer, First Elder

Raimund Nolte, Second Elder

Ciara Hendrick, Daniel, Attendant

FestspielOrchester Göttingen

Richard Jones’ clunky Samson et Dalila returns to Covent Garden

Dominic Lowe, 13th May

With Aigul Akhmetshina and Seokjong Baek in the title roles, there are reasons to be optimistic, but The Royal Opera’s revival of Richard Jones’ production is a mixed bag.

***11

Reality television: ENO’s Angel’s Bone in Manchester

Lawrence Dunn, 12th May

Kip Williams and ENO mount an extraordinary new production of Du Yun and Royce Vavrek’s multifaceted opera, with performances of great emotional directness broadcast live on camera.

*****

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

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

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

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Catriona Graham

Catriona Graham has been attending concerts and operas since childhood. She saw the 1966 Scottish Opera production of Albert Herring and the 1967 production of Cosi fan tutte, with Janet Baker. Her interest in early music was piqued by studying the troubadours at university.

Oh, Susanna! Göttingen International Handel Festival opens in style