A retreating world: War Requiem at Teatro Real

By Fernando Remiro, 16 March 2015

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Reviewed at Teatro Real: Sala Principal, Madrid on 12 March 2015

Britten, War Requiem, Op.66

Susan Gritton, Soprano

John Mark Ainsley, Tenor

Jacques Imbrailo, Bass

Pablo Heras-Casado, Conductor

Coro Titular del Teatro Real

Orquesta Titular del Teatro Real

Pequeños Cantores de la Jorcam

Deborah Warner attains her theatrical dream at the Teatro Real

Juan José Freijo, 12th March

Warner once again displays her unquestionable talent onstage and her affinity with Benjamin Britten, although, on this occasion, the musical aspect are not equally satisfactory.

***11

Spain in its many voices: Teatro Real’s Carnegie Hall gala

Edward Sava-Segal, 5th June

María Dueñas and Saioa Hernández anchor a Spanish programme in New York marked by a Hollywood detour.

***11

Teatro Real brings a taste of Spain to New York

David Wolfson, 16th October

Juanjo Mena and the orchestra of Spain’s powerhouse opera company presents a gala concert, featuring Manuel de Falla's El amor brujo at its centre.

***11

Illuminating history-makers: Nixon in China lands in Madrid

David Karlin, 17th April

John Adams’ opera about Richard Nixon’s historic meeting with Mao Tse-Tung is performed with all round excellence, with a real find on the podium in the shape of Olivia Lee-Gunderman.

****1

Madrid's Teatro Real orchestra makes its Carnegie Hall debut

Edward Sava-Segal, 15th September

Juanjo Mena conducts a programme entirely dedicated to Spanish music, including zarzuelas and popular scores by Manuel de Falla.

***11

The martyrs and the oppressed: Peter Grimes at Teatro Real Madrid

Juan José Freijo, 19th April

The new production of Peter Grimes stands out as the strongest item in Teatro Real's season, with magnificent staging by Deborah Warner and superb musical direction by Ivor Bolton, with outstanding vocal and dramatic performances.

*****

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Fernando Remiro

Fernando studied history and political science. He is passionate about opera and lied, a devoted fan of Benjamin Britten, and a lover of challenging stage productions. He wrote opera reviews for the Spanish musical magazine Ritmo and tweets about opera at @operatweets.