Venue: Teatro Massimo, Palermo

A wonderful evening of contrasting works shows the company and guests in fine form at Palermo’s Teatro Massimo.

Created 17 years ago for the Staatsballett Berlin, Caravaggio stands as one of the defining works of choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti. Now he has brought it to Teatro Massimo in Palermo.

José Martínez has envisioned a Don Quichotte that recalls the original 19th century choreography while also acknowledging some of the notable 20th century versions and it's splendid looking.

Omer Meir Wellber conducts a spirited account of Verdi's early opera, semi-staged and live-streamed from the Teatro Massimo.

Performing arts duo Ricci/Forte throw what feels like the entire directorial arsenal at this production.

At its 2015 inauguration at the Royal Opera House, a controversial rape scene in Act 3 drew outrage from the audience and critics alike. Now the Teatro Massimo is presenting the production once again.

Despite this mis-en-scene’s lack of intensity, this Siegfried closed the 2015 season of the Teatro Massimo with an outstanding musical performance.

Franco Zeffirelli's Palermo La Fille du régiment wears its 55 years with style and elegance, lifted by outstanding singing from Desirée Rancatore and Celso Albelo.