Gold medal for Irish National Opera's L’Olimpiade at Covent Garden

Meili Li (Licida) and ensemble

Sarah Richmond (Argene) and ensemble

Rachel Redmond (Aminta) and ensemble

Gemma Ní Bhriain (Megacle) and Alexandra Urquiola (Aristea)

Chuma Sijeqa (Clistene)

By Roy Westbrook, 14 May 2024

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“and 2024 is surely a good year to mount an opera called ‘The Olympiad’”

Reviewed at Royal Opera House: Linbury Theatre, London on 13 May 2024

Vivaldi, L'Olimpiade, RV 725

Irish National Opera

Peter Whelan, Conductor

Daisy Evans, Director

Molly O'Cathain, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Jake Wiltshire, Lighting Designer

Irish Baroque Orchestra

Meili Li, Licida

Maria Schellenberg, Megacle

Alexandra Urquiola, Aristea

Rachel Redmond, Aminta

Sarah Richmond, Argene

Seán Boylan, Alcandro

Chuma Sijeqa, Clistene

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Irish National Opera’s Bartered Bride shines

Andrew Larkin, 22nd November

A tiny stage and five musicians prove no obstacle to Irish National Opera’s lively, witty Bartered Bride, where sharp casting and clever direction turn modest means into genuine delight.

****1

A rollicking Wild West Elisir in Dublin that hits all the right notes

Andrew Larkin, 27th May

Donizetti heads West in Cal McCrystal's riotous, laugh-out-loud L'elisir d’amore, where dazzling singing meets cowboy capers in a gloriously zany production for Irish National Opera.

*****

Charting new waters: Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland

Andrew Larkin, 23rd March

Ireland’s first Wagner opera in over a decade dazzles with a captivating production by Rachael Hewer for Irish National Opera.

****1

Terrifically strong principals in Irish National Opera’s Rigoletto

Andrew Larkin, 1st December

Michael Chioldi, Soraya Mafi and Bekhzod Davronov shine in Julien Chavez’ energetic production in Dublin’s Bord Gais Theatre.

****1

Strong voices shine amidst Fuchs' superficially garish Traviata

Andrew Larkin, 21st May

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.

***11

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.