Rediscovering a Vivaldi gem: Arsilda in Prague

By Frank Kuznik, 14 November 2019

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“the runaway vocal star of the evening was Kangmin Justin Kim”

Reviewed at Rudolfinum: Dvořák Hall, Prague on 12 November 2019

Vivaldi, Arsilda, regina di Ponto RV 700 (Concert performance)

Václav Luks, Conductor

Lenka Máčiková, Mirinda

Helena Hozová, Nicandro

Mireille Lebel, Arsilda

Aneta Petrasová, Lisea

Fernando Guimarães, Tamese

Lisandro Abadie, Cisardo

Kangmin Justin Kim, Barzane

Collegium 1704

Collegium Vocale 1704

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Laura Servidei, 25th May

In Barrie Kosky's hyperactive staging, Il viaggio a Reims becomes a birthday tribute to Cecilia Bartoli complete with rewritten text, extravagant costumes, sexual escapades and a giant cake.

***11

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Andrew Larkin, 24th May

Salome Jicia delivers a vocally impressive and emotionally committed Norma, but Orpha Phelan’s post-apocalyptic staging fatally weakens Bellini’s sacred tragedy.

***11

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Dominic Lowe, 23rd May

Mariame Clément’s production of Rossini's meta comedy is tightly revived with some excellent singing. Come for the writing tips, stay for the cured meats.

****1

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Sandra Bowdler, 23rd May

As usual, Pinchgut lavishes musical excellence on an obscure Baroque work... but why stage an oratorio?

****1

The Met’s Frida y Diego proves visually stunning, musically thrilling

David Wolfson, 22nd May

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*****

Matthias Goerne strikes gold with Salome in Toulouse

Emmanuel Gaillard, 22nd May

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*****

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Frank Kuznik

Frank Kuznik is the former Editor-in-Chief and Culture Editor of The Prague Post, Central Europe’s premier English-language weekly newspaper. He currently divides his time between Prague and his hometown in the US, Cleveland, where he covers northeast Ohio's dynamic classical music scene. In Prague he is an habitué of the Rudolfinum, National Theater, State Opera and other storied classical music venues, and an unabashed fan of Czech music.