Venue: Staatsoper, Vienna

A pleasurable evening of surprises in Marco Arturo Marelli’s Turandot.

The Don is dark and light, the production somewhere in between, with strong singing and musical direction but stodgy staging. 

At 78, Domingo rages against the ravages of time, and – certainly in this production – shows the next generation a thing or two about stagecraft.

Countertenor Lawrence Zazzo is more than at home in the role of Oberon, and possesses a vocal quality ideal for the scheming king of the fairies, simultaneously eerie and seductive.

During the “Salce” and “Ave Maria” in Act Four Bezsmertna turned this to magical effect, thinning out and floating her shimmering soprano into gossamer threads.

Juan Diego Flórez was impressive in his first portrayal of a lovesick soldier/priest in Manon, with Nino Machaidze's accomplished heroine. Andrei Serban's modern and thoughtful production was still fresh and arresting.

The outstanding trio of Nylund, Stemme and Herlitzius soars above a Vienna State Opera Orchestra in thunderous form, led by Christian Thielemann to celebrate the Staatsoper's 150th birthday in style.

A solid cast led by Juan Diego Flórez revives Günther Rennert’s production, which still amuses after more than 400 performances.