Written on Skin: A modern operatic classic makes Berlin debut

By Sam Johnstone, 15 November 2018

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“What was really striking about this concert performance was Benjamin’s masterful orchestral writing”

Reviewed at Philharmonie: Großer Saal, Berlin on 12 November 2018

Benjamin, Written on Skin

Sir George Benjamin, Conductor

Benjamin Davis, Director

Evan Hughes, The Protector

Georgia Jarman, Agnès

Bejun Mehta, Boy / Angel 1

Victoria Simmonds, Marie / Angel 2

Robert Murray, John / Angel 3

Mahler Chamber Orchestra

A vibrant, urgent Ariodante at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Katherine Syer, 2nd March

A revival of Richard Jones’ production of Handel’s emotionally probing opera.

*****

An uncomplicated, thrilling Tosca from WNO

Rohan Shotton, 9th February

Carlo Rizzi conducts WNO's Tosca revival in Cardiff.

****1

Jaho and Larsson break hearts, Gallo and Hurrell mend them

David Karlin, 25th February

A blistering performance of Suor Angelica is the highlight of this strongly performed revival of Richard Jones' 2011 production.

****1

Justina Gringyte is a fabulous Carmen in Scottish Opera's Revival

David Smythe, 17th October

Justina Gringyte is a fabulous Carmen in Scottish Opera's dark take on this most tuneful of operas. Large choruses, including children with cigarettes, and a strong supporting cast make this an enjoyable show.

***11

An evening of starvation and gluttony with Hansel and Gretel

Simon Rees, 21st February

Hansel and Gretel is often treated as a children's opera, suitable for family viewing at Christmas, but as Richard Jones' production demonstrates, it is a good deal darker than that.

****1

A Stylish Rondine from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

David Smythe, 10th May

Puccini's La rondine at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a two hour whirlwind of Parisian love, given a very stylish treatment.

****1

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Sam Johnstone

Sam Johnstone is a musician and writer based in Berlin. He has written on classical, contemporary and world music for Sinfini Music, The Cusp and World Music Network, and about the influence of the avant-garde on contemporary music in Germany and Japan whilst studying at Oxford University and SOAS, University of London. Sam blogs at www.spljohnstone.com and tweets at @spljohnstone