Reviews vom 31.1.2015

London
Can the English National Opera be saved?
ENO is in crisis. There must be a strong case now for dissolving the entire organisation, says Rupert Christiansen
read more

Henriette Götz to leave English National Opera
 Mehr Info

New York
Carnegie Hall to offer a musical multitude in 125th anniversary season
read more

Houston
Floyd, Dvorák waiting in HGO wings
read more

San Francisco
San Francisco Ballet commences its 2015 season
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/22/296/view/7010

Sidney
Review: Madama Butterfly (Opera Australia)
 read more

Opera Australia cops the blame for the state of its art
read more

Bild- und Tonträger
Hasse: Siroe, re di Persia CD review – more bravura than refinement
 read more

Reviews vom 30.1.2015

Prag
Review: Mefistofele at the State Opera
http://www.praguepost.com/night-day/44039-review-mefistofele-at-the-state-opera

Amsterdam
Jaroussky and Gauvin star in Steffani’s Niobe, regina di Tebe
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-niobe-gauvin-jaroussky-amsterdam-january-2015

Madrid
The gracious magician: Ton Koopman conducts National Spanish Orchestra
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-bach-mass-koopman-madrid-january-2015

London
Hagen Quartet review – Mozart celebrated with sparkling spontaneity Wigmore Hall, London
A series of concerts devoted to Mozart’s quartets kicks off with an exhilarating exploration of the boundaries of his writing
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/28/hagen-quartet-mozart-wigmore-hall

New York
When They Cancel a Performance at the Met, There’s a Good Reason
read more

Boston
Andris Nelsons to lead BSO in Strauss opera “Elektra’
read more

London
Can the English National Opera be saved?
ENO is in crisis. There must be a strong case now for dissolving the entire organisation, says Rupert Christiansen
read more

Henriette Götz to leave English National Opera
 Mehr Info

New York
Carnegie Hall to offer a musical multitude in 125th anniversary season
read more

Houston
Floyd, Dvorák waiting in HGO wings
read more

San Francisco
San Francisco Ballet commences its 2015 season
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/22/296/view/7010

Sidney
Review: Madama Butterfly (Opera Australia)
 read more

Opera Australia cops the blame for the state of its art
read more

Bild- und Tonträger
Hasse: Siroe, re di Persia CD review – more bravura than refinement
 read more

Chicago
CSO’s 125th season to include a look back, another Asian tour and more standard repertory
read more

Phoenix
Arizona Opera announces 2015-16 season
read more

Los Angeles
Los Angeles Opera’s 30th season to begin with ‘Gianni Schicchi’
Mehr Info

Toronto
Opera Review: Mozart’s Don Giovanni falls hard under COC’s heavy hand and curtain
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 29.1.2015

München
Lucia di Lammermoor, Bavarian State Opera, Munich — review
Donizetti’s 17th-century love story is updated as a family saga in 1950s America
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a660c308-a60f-11e4-9bd3-00144feab7de.html

Kopenhagen
Danish National Chamber Orchestra fights cuts by crowdfunding
Private donations and public support mean that this innovative orchestra will not be disbanded despite the loss of its state funding
read more

London
Far more than a fairy tale: Bartók’s Duke Bluebeard’s Castle at the Royal Festival Hall
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-bluebeard-willard-white-komlosi-dutoit-january-2015

Bartok : Duke Bluebeard’s Castle / Royal Festival Hall, 27th January 2015
read more

LSO/Ticciati/Trpceski Review
Ravel glittered and Hosokawa glowed Barbican, London London’s most muscular orchestra sounded wonderfully delicat
 read more

Austin
Review: Austin Opera’s “Romeo & Juliet”
http://arts.blog.austin360.com/2015/01/27/review-austin-operas-romeo-juliet/

Los Angeles
Placido Domingo teaming up with Woody Allen for L.A. Opera’s new season
read more

San Francisco
Opera review: ‘The Lariat’ skims over a ripe topic
http://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Opera-review-The-Lariat-skims-over-a-ripe-6043619.php

Sidney
Madama Butterfly review (Sydney Opera House)
http://dailyreview.crikey.com.au/madama-butterfly-review-sydney-opera-house/18024

BWW Reviews: Opera Australia’s Presents Puccini’s MADAMA BUTTERFLY
With Pared Back Simplicity
read more

Brisbane
Opera festival shifts base to Brisbane
HOBART’S boutique festival of baroque opera is migrating to Brisbane
read more

Berlin
So achtsam wie nie
Gedenkkonzert für Opfer des Holocaust. Die Berliner Philharmoniker spielen die „Violins of Hope” im Kammermusiksaal, Simon Rattle und Duncan Ward dirigieren.
Mehr Info

Selina Mai in “Mamma Mia” Musicalkarriere im Expresstempo
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 28.1.2015

Amsterdam
The joy of performing Falvetti’s Il diluvio universale
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London
Benjamin Grosvenor review – musical integrity and confident ambition Barbican, London
The former child prodigy, now 22, demonstrated impressive stamina and attention to detail at his debut Barbican recital
read more

Benjamin Grosvenor, Barbican, review: ‘crisp’
The 22-year-old pianist is a genuine talent of the old school, championing music that not everyone bothers to play today and doing so with impressive yet unflashy pianistic flair, says John Allison
read more

New York
Tweaking an Illustrious Tradition to Incorporate Western Notions
Mariinsky Ballet Concludes Brooklyn Run With Chopin
read more

Minneapolis
Minnesota Opera charms with ‘The Elixir of Love’
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/289833621.html

St. Louis
Opera review: ‘L’amico Fritz’ is an enjoyable production of an operatic rarity
read more

Salt Lake City
TOSCA, AIDA, MERRY WIDOW and MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Set for Utah Opera’s 2015-16 Season
Mehr Info

Montreal
Samson et Dalila: Marie-Nicole Lemieux dominates an evening of unrequited expectations
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-samson-dalila-lemieux-wottrich-montreal-january-2015

Melbourne
Public hearing gives Melbourne’s opera lovers a voice
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 27.1.2015

Prag
A cumbersome Mefistofele makes for a long evening in Prague
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-mefistofele-kocan-prague-january-2015

Zürich
All about that soprano: Stemme’s Isolde in Zurich one for the ages
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-tristan-isolde-stemme-zurich-january-2015

London
English National Opera rejects outgoing chairman’s claim of losses
Martyn Rose claimed £10m had been lost under artistic director John Berry, but ENO says it “does not recognise the figure at all’
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/26/english-national-opera-rejects-loss-claims

Noch eine „Andrea Chenier“-Review
Revisiting “Andrea Chénier’
read more

Onegin, Royal Opera House, review: Vadim Muntagirov lifts this revival of John Cranko’s overwrought ballet
read more

LPO/Jurowski review – Stravinsky and Verdi rendered with precise synchronisation
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/26/lpo-jurowski-review

New York
BWW Reviews: HOFFMANN is a Messy, but Enjoyable, Tale at the Met
read more

Chicago
Serjan’s sensational debut lifts Lyric’s bleak “Tosca”
http://chicagoclassicalreview.com/2015/01/serjans-sensational-debut-lifts-lyrics-bleak-tosca/

Opera review: Lyric Opera’s grim ‘Tosca’
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A substitute at Lyric Opera’s Tosca is a revelation
read more

Pittsburgh
Review: ‘Rodelinda’ a big success for Pittsburgh Opera
http://triblive.com/aande/music/7595479-74/opera-rodelinda-pittsburgh#axzz3Px0HWWWi

San Diego
‘La Bohème’ a rousing comeback for San Diego Opera
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-san-diego-opera-20150126-story.html

San Diego Opera opens an improbable 50th anniversary season with La bohème
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-boheme-miller-san-diego-opera-january-2015

Toronto
Miss seeing COC’s Don Giovanni at your peril: review
Director Dmitri Tcherniakov’s interpretation of a world of dysfunctional people and the Lord of Misrule is like nothing you’ve seen in your life.
read more

Melbourne
Vorschau
Carl Maria von Weber’s German Romantic opera Der Freischutz (The Marksman) returns to Melbourne
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 26.1.2015

London
Giordano’s Andrea Chenier and Rattle/Hannigan/LSO: Opera reviews
read more

Classical Opera @ Wigmore Hall, London
http://www.musicomh.com/classical/reviews-classical/classical-opera-wigmore-hall-london

1765: A Retrospective review – why we’re still mad about the young Mozart
A tribute to Mozart’s year in London as a child shed light on the composer’s uncanny genius
read more

Onegin, Royal Ballet, review: ‘an assured crowd-pleaser’
The opening night pairing of Marianela Núñez and Thiago Soares seemed, at times, to breathe as one, says Laura Thompson
Mehr Info

Royal Ballet: Onegin review
http://simonparrismaninchair.com/2015/01/25/royal-ballet-onegin-review/

Leeds
The Marriage of Figaro, Opera North, review: ‘exceptional’
This Opera North production is rich in charm, humour and vitality. For pure enjoyment, what more can opera offer? asks Rupert Christiansen
read more

Madrid
Here and now: Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony in Madrid
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-dudamel-simon-bolivar-madrid-january-2015

New York
Seeking a New Way to Price Tickets at the Metropolitan Opera
http://www.wqxr.org/#!/story/new-way-price-tickets-metropolitan-opera/

Euphorically Embracing a Long-Missing
Soloist Maxim Vengerov Performs With the Philharmonic
read more

A violin lion in winter partners with a brilliant young colleague at Carnegie Hall
read more

Chicago
Muti, CSO soar in Russian music of art and war
http://chicagoclassicalreview.com/2015/01/muti-cso-soar-in-russian-music-art-and-war/

San Diego
San Diego Opera opens lively ‘La Boheme’
Director Isabella Bywater focuses on keeping Puccini’s masterpiece real
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jan/25/san-diego-opera-boheme-review/

Houston
Houston Grand Opera’s ‘Butterfly’ is a vocal, dramatic feast
Mehr Info

Ton- und Bildträger
Grigory Sokolov, The Salzburg Recital, review: ‘truly exceptional’
Listening to Sokolov, you know you’re in the presence of someone extraordinary, says Geoffrey Norris
Mehr Info

 

Reviews vom 25.1.2015

Amsterdam
Damiano Michieletto gives Il viaggio a Reims a thorough dusting in Amsterdam
read more

Courageous Helmchen steps in at the Concertgebouw
 read more

Barcelona
BWW Reviews: DiDonato Provides Goosebumps in MARIA STUARDA at Barcelona’s Liceu
read more

London
Behind the curtain: backstage at La Bohème
Lavish performances are all in a day’s work for English National Opera, but behind the scenes the drama is no less riveting, finds Rupert Christiansen
read more

New York
BWW Reviews: The Mariinsky’s THE ENCHANTED WANDERER at BAM
read more

Ladies Night at New York City Ballet
read more

Young Performers Spreading Their Wings In “Swan Lake,’ Mariinsky Ballet Shows Off a New Generation
read more

Where’s the fire? Rushed CMS program leaves French cello sonatas short of breadth
read more

Dallas
Dallas Opera pairs two operas about life and death in the mountains
read more

Toronto
Dmitri Tcherniakov takes a bold new approach with Mozart’s Don Giovanni
read more

Feuilleton
The tragedy of Europe’s great forgotten female composer
Vítězslava Kaprálová was on the cusp of greatness when she died of tuberculosis. On the centenary of her birth, John Allison uncovers a tragic love triangle in Vichy France
read more

Reviews vom 24.1.2015

München
An unconventional Guillaume Tell in Munich has no heroes
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-guillaume-tell-nunes-ettinger-munich-january-2015

Turin
Shades of solitude in Teatro Regio’s new diptych: Goyescas and Suor Angelica
 read more

London
Opera, festivals and a legendary pianist: the Southbank Centre announces 2015-16 programme
read more

Wagner : Das Rheingold (excerpts) / Rachmaninov : The Miserly Knight / Royal Festival Hall, 21st January 2015
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The root of all evil: Jurowski and the LPO pair Rachmaninov’s Miserly Knight with Wagner’s greedy dwarf
read more

Glasgow
Inês de Castro, Scottish Opera, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, review: ‘glutinously lush’
This staging of James MacMillan’s Inês de Castro is an unrelieved parade of madness and despair – but it’s impressive, says Rupert Christiansen
 read more

Live Review: Ines de Castro, Theatre Royal, Glasgow
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Inés de Castro review – gory and discomfiting MacMillan
This harrowing story of sexual violence and torture is an uncomfortable watch, but Scottish Opera’s new production of James MacMillan’s first opera features terrific music and a strong cast
read more

New York
New York City Opera Selects Investor Group to Revive Opera Winning $1.25 Million Bid Backed By Hedge Fund Manager Roy Niederhoffer
read more

Music Brings Out the Killer Instinct From City Ballet, “Hear the Dance: Russia’
Mehr Infos

San Diego
San Diego Opera begins 50th season
 http://www.kusi.com/story/27919575/san-diego-opera-begins-50th-season

Reviews vom 23.1.2015

London
Harry Brunjes to replace Martyn Rose as ENO chairman
Brunjes will remain in the role until a permanent replacement can be found
read more

Weitere “Andrea Chenier”-Reviews
Andrea Chenier, Royal Opera House – review: An exquisitely realised production
read more

Andrea Chénier, Royal Opera House, London — review
Jonas Kaufmann’s dark tenor smoulders in this opulent, unashamedly old-fashioned production
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6d170c52-a15e-11e4-8d19-00144feab7de.html

New York
Metropolitan Opera Review 2015 – La Boheme
Kristine Opolais, Jean-Francois Borras, Marina Rebeka & Mariusz Kwiecien Lead Rendition of Puccini’s Masterpiece
read more

Mirror, Mirror
Mariusz Trelinski Brings “Iolanta’ and “Bluebeard’s Castle’ to the Met
read more

Philharmonic Outlines 2015-16 Season
read more

Salonen to assume prominent role with New York Philharmonic through 2018
read more

Tel Aviv
Opera review: ISRAELI OPERA PUCCINI: LA RONDINE
read more

Ton- und Bildträger
Tchaikovsky: Iolanta CD review – Netrebko champions little-known opera
read more

Reviews vom 22.1.2015

London
Andrea Chénier, Royal Opera House, review: ‘powerful’
Only a connoisseurs will go home grumpy from this handsome staging of Giordano’s hoary melodrama, says Rupert Christiansen
read more
Andrea Chénier, Royal Opera House – opera Review
‘Jonas Kaufmann, with heroic stage presence and voice to match, is an exceptional tenor’
read more
Andrea Chénier review – it’s hard to imagine Kaufmann bettered
read more
Andrea Chénier @ Royal Opera House, London
read more
Andrea Chénier, Royal Opera
An exceptional cast make this revolutionary romance a must-see
http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/andrea-ch%C3%A9nier-royal-opera

Fate, Falla and fandangos: a London Symphony Orchestra Fiesta
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-xian-zhang-london-symphony-january-2015

New York
Mixing Shades of Gray
Into a Chirpy Comedy and a Mother’s Anguish Lot of Leather in Morningside Opera’s “Pergolesi: Power Games’
read more

Searching the Subconscious
Recent performances explore the inner psyche, connect pleasure with pain, and reveal the dark past of a religious figure.
read more

Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra bring Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn to Lincoln Center
read more

Chicago
Rising conductor Dmitri Jurowski is keeping it in the Family
read more

Feuilleton
A Ballet Dancer Meets the Demands of Gender-Shifting Roles
At Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a Dancer Tailors His Workout to Perform Both Lifts and En Pointe
read more

Reviews vom 21.1.2015

Prag
Mefistofele will tempt at the State Opera
http://www.praguepost.com/night-day/43875-mefistofele-will-tempt-at-the-state-opera

Mailand
Grotesque, gritty Die Soldaten at La Scala
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-die-soldaten-metzmacher-la-scala-january-2015

Paris
In Paris, a New Music Hub Hums
read more

London
World’s first ‘mindfulness opera’ launched, complete with yoga and washing up
The Barbican announces it is to stage the world’s first ‘mindfulness’ opera, with four hours of silence, yoga and washing up
read more

New York
Susan Graham joins young artists in closing “Song Continues” program
read more

New York Philharmonic’s impressive Verdi Requiem
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-verdi-requiem-new-york-philharmonic-january-2015

An Age-Old Romantic Introduction,
With Revitalizing Touches Mariinsky Ballet in “Cinderella,’ Under Alexei Ratmansky
read more
The Mariinsky brings its must-see Swan Lake to BAM
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-swan-lake-mariinsky-bam-new-york-january-2015

Miami
Anonymous donor comes Florida Grand Opera’s rescue
read more

Los Angeles
An Opera With Sexting? In ¡Figaro! (90210), Mozart Goes to Beverly Hills
read more

Ton- und Bildträger
Recordings Prove Long-Standing Stature of London’s Royal Opera
read more

Feuilleton
Sir Simon Rattle at 60: 10 of his best performances
read more

Reviews vom 20.1.2015

Amsterdam
Blinding beauty in the RCO’s Mahler 3 under Daniele Gatti
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-mahler-gatti-royal-concertgebouw-january-2015

Paris
An Entitled Executive as Mozart
May Have Imagined Him “Don Giovanni’ Revival by the Paris National Opera
read more

London
Top tenor Kaufmann says ready for Otello, no Siegfried yet
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/16/us-music-britain-kaufmann-idUSKBN0KP11Z20150116

Facing the music: Eva-Maria Westbroek
The soprano tells us about her musical tastes on and off the opera stage
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/19/facing-the-music-eva-maria-westbroek

Nachtrag zum „Orfeo”
Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo: Royal Opera at the Roundhouse
Michael Boyd’s Orfeo is a bold mix of formality and rough circus
http://www.classical-music.com/blog/monteverdi-Orfeo-royal-opera-at-the-roundhouse

Lisitsa, Zhang, LSO – Barbican, review: Showy work beats up an admirable storm
read more

Glasgow
Glasgow Conservatoire gives Le nozze di Figaro a stylish twist
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-figaro-royal-conservatoire-glasgow-january-2015

New York
Interview
Valery Gergiev: “Anyone Can Buy a Ticket’
read more

Cleveland
The Cleveland Orchestra offers a brilliant 90th birthday tribute to Pierre Boulez
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-boulez-cleveland-welser-most-january-2015

Salt Lake City
Review: Utah Opera’s “Pearl Fishers’ is a treasure worth seeking
http://www.sltrib.com/entertainment/2073575-155/review-utah-operas-pearl-fishers-is

Nachruf
Claude Frank obituary
Masterly pianist and teacher whose playing had a visionary quality
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/18/claude-frank

Reviews vom 19.1.2015

London
Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo and Schubert’s Winterreise: Opera Reviews
read more

Genial Nielsen from the BBC SO and Sakari Oramo
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-nielsen-oramo-colli-bbcso-january-2015

BalletBoyz: Young Men review – far too many sorrowful cradlings
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/18/balletboyz-young-men-review-horrors-of-war

New York
The Merry Widow, the Metropolitan Opera HD Live, review: ‘no wit, no sparkle’
Despite Andrew Davis’s blameless conducting, the live relay of the Met’s production of Lehar’s operetta disappointed
read more

Protesters Greet Valery Gergiev on First Night of U.S. Tour
http://www.wqxr.org/#!/story/protesters-greet-valery-gergiev-first-night-us-tour/

Listening Back, Listening Forward
http://www.wqxr.org/#!/story/listening-back-listening-forward/

Dallas
Review: Matthew Polenzani
The Dallas Opera | Caruth Auditorium Art Song Rocks!
read more

Palm Beach
Opera brings beauty, youthful energy to “La Bohème”
read more
Soprano shines in Palm Beach Opera’s mixed “Boheme”
read more

Montreal
Bold and eclectic: Nagano commanding in Bartók in Montréal
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-bartok-nagano-montreal-january-2015

Feuilleton
Remembering Geoffrey Parsons: a genius from a bygone Age
This month marks 20 years since the death of Australian pianist and accompanist Geoffrey Parsons.
read more

Reviews vom 18.1.201e

London
Padmore/Schiff review – startling in its purity of tone
read more

New York
New York City Opera Suitors Prepare Bids Two Bidders to Square off in Court
read more
 
Despite stage mishap, comedy and tragedy touch the heart in Met’s starry “Bohème”
read more

Shaking the Rafters
With the Thundering Chords of a Monumental Requiem New York Philharmonic Performs Verdi’s Requiem
read more

City Ballet’s Fab Five (2015 Edition)
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/18/arts/dance/city-ballets-fab-five-2015-edition.html

Chicago
Von Otter and Hewitt offer anticipations of spring in delightful afternoon of song
read more

Memphis
Stage Review: Opera Memphis delivers inventive staging of Grimm classic “Hansel & Gretel’
read more

San Francisco
Prototype Festival Gives Opera a Makeover
read more

Los Angeles
Let’s dance: the Australian Ballet’s LA story
read more

Toronto
Opera singers dish on bad boy
Don Giovanni Sasha Djihanian, Jane Archibald and Jennifer Holloway play the three loves of Don Giovanni, played by Russell Braun, in Canadian Opera Company production opening Jan. 24.
read more

Feuilleton
Can we ever get to the heart of Mozart?
In a new film for the BBC, I go behind and beyond the myths in search of the still-contemporary power and magic of Mozart’s music
read more

Reviews vom 17.1.2015

Kopenhagen
Opera House celebrating its 10th anniversary
read more

Paris
Orchestre de Paris, Philharmonie de Paris, review: ‘elegant eclecticism’
The opening concert of the Paris Philharmonie was a glittering display of political grandstanding, says Ivan Hewett
read more

London
LSO/Rattle/Hannigan review – from Stravinsky to St Trinian’s Barbican, London
Simon Rattle marshals an impressive Rite of Spring, while soprano Barbara Hannigan dons school uniform for Ligeti’s Mysteries of the Macabre
read more
Simon Rattle with Barbara Hannigan & London Symphony Orchestra, Barbican, review: ‘in his element’
read more

Unvarnished truth: period instrument Mussorgsky from the OAE
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-boris-godunov-leiferkus-oae-jurowski

New York
Irrepressible Passion, Laced With Sadness Sonya Yoncheva Stars in Verdi’s “La Traviata’
read more

Gergiev, Mariinsky open BAM residency in mixed fashion with meditative Shchedrin
read more

A Misbehaving Monk Recounts His Sins
“The Enchanted Wanderer,’ by the Mariinsky Theater, at BAM
read more

Ballet Before Pyrotechnics: Bournonville and the Royal Danish Ballet
 read more

Dallas
New Heggie Opera, Great Scott to Premiere in Dallas
read more

Sidney
Opera review: Amanda Echalaz’s Tosca lives up to the hype — and then some
read more

Feuilleton
Opera Singer Deborah Voigt: An Anti-Diva Bares
It All The Singer Offers Backstage Observations and Details About Her Own Struggles
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 16.1.2015

Paris
La Philharmonie de Paris: is this a new musical and social future for Paris?
read more

London
ENO strongly represented on new International Opera awards shortlist
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/14/international-opera-awards-2015-shortlist-eno

Weitere Reviews zum “Orfeo”
Orfeo, Roundhouse, review: ‘serious in intent’
This Royal Opera production boasts an outstanding cast but is too relentlessly sombre, says Rupert Christiansen
read more
Orfeo (Roundhouse)
The Royal Opera teams up with the Roundhouse for its first-ever staging of Monteverdi’s opera
http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/reviews/orfeo-roundhouse_36912.html

BalletBoyz: Young Men at Sadler’s Wells Theatre
read more

New York
Lincoln Center and New York Philharmonic to Collaborate on Operas
read more

Weitere “Hoffmann”-Review
Tempering His Strut, a Peacock
Soars Without Overpowering Vittorio Grigolo Shows Restraint in “Les Contes d’Hoffmann’
read more

Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Metropolitan Opera, New York — review
Bartlett Sher’s messy production has been deftly refocused by Gina Lapinski
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b95ab7fe-9bd6-11e4-a6b6-00144feabdc0.html

Toronto
COC announces operas by two Canadian composers
The Canadian Opera Company has picked two Canadian composers for a world premiere this season as well as a new work, it announced Wednesday.
Mehr Info

Feuilleton
Is watching opera in the cinema just as good?
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20150114-opera-in-the-cinema-blasphemy

Meet Sonya Yoncheva: Opera’s Brightest New Star
http://www.vogue.com/8142989/sonya-yoncheva-opera-brightest-new-star

Reviews vom 15.1.2015

Paris
A Concert Hall in Paris Aims to Bridge Divides
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London

Orfeo review – there’s a tingling directness which makes it compelling
read more

Orfeo, Roundhouse – opera Review
The first collaboration between the Royal Opera and the Roundhouse lacks true directorial input, leaving the singers to express emotions largely through the music
read more

Royal Opera’s Orfeo, Roundhouse: shouts its agenda so loudly the music struggles to be heard
read more

Andras Schiff, Wigmore Hall, classical review: A revelatory fortepiano Recital
read more

New York
Met Opera: “Hoffmann’s” Tales Fabulously Staged With a Sterling Cast
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wilborn-hampton/les-contes-dhoffmann_b_6463528.html

An inspired cast makes trippy magic in Met’s colorful “Hoffmann”
read more

The eternal optimist: Grigolo’s Hoffmann at The Met is simply spectacular
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-hoffmann-grigolo-metropolitan-opera-january-2015

Opera Review: The Merry Widow Waltzes Into the Met
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Long Beach
Long Beach Opera leader wins national award for opera Trustees
read more

Sidney
Tosca review (Sydney Opera House)
http://dailyreview.crikey.com.au/tosca-review-sydney-opera-house/17267

BWW Reviews: Opera Australia Proves Puccini’s Tale Of Love and Death
Is Timeless With Their Restaging of TOSCA
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 14.1.2015

Berlin
Pianist Grigorij Sokolow: Mozart wirft die Stelzen weg
Mehr Info

Paris
Klassik an der Autobahn
Am Mittwoch wird Jean Nouvels Philharmonie de Paris eröffnet. Sie liegt in einem Arbeiterbezirk und soll neues Publikum erreichen. Richtig fertig ist das Haus allerdings noch nicht.
Mehr Info
Paris eröffnet die neue Philharmonie
Mehr Info

Mailand
Mysterium: embattled La Verdi buoyed by Rota’s rising star
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-rota-mysterium-grazioli-la-verdi-milan-january-2015

Paris
Philharmonie de Paris: in pictures
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/11342471/Philharmonie-de-Paris-in-pictures.html

London
Winterreise, Ian Bostridge, Barbican, review: ‘extraordinary’
Ian Bostridge, accompanied by Thomas Adès, delivered the most riveting – and uncanny – performance of Schubert’s Winterreise, says Ivan Hewett
read more

Bostridge/Adès: Winterreise review
– narrative mastery with apparent spontaneity
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/13/bostridge-ades-winterreise-review-barbican

Ian Bostridge and Thomas Ades, Barbican, classical review: A triumph
read more

New York
Now Onstage: Steady and Evolving
The George London Foundation Series, Featuring Angela Meade
read more

Meade and Pallesen make a strong team in London Foundation recital
read more

Dallas
Dallas Opera’s 2015-16 Season to Feature 2 World Premieres
read more

Seattle
Things we do for love: A barn-burning “Tosca’ at Seattle Opera
http://seattletimes.com/html/thearts/2025445723_toscareviewseattleoperaxml.html

Los Angeles
L.A. Opera’s Figaro Unbound festival includes music, art and fashion
read more

Sidney
Sydney Symphony Orchestra performance projected onto Opera House in Vienna salute
read more

Damaskus
For war-weary Syrians, Damascus Opera brings welcome respite
read more

Feuilleton
This year’s classical music anniversaries – and some less usual suspects
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 13.1.2015

London
Features 2015 in the Opera House: London
http://www.musicomh.com/classical/features-classical/2015-opera-house-london

Das Paradies und die Peri review –
Rattle and the LSO bring Schumann’s oratorio vividly to life
read more

Simon Rattle & the London Symphony Orchestra, Barbican, review: ‘missionary zeal’
The London Symphony Chorus were the true vocal heroes of the evening, says John Allison
read more

New York
Enchanted, Ecstatic Offerings, Plus a Fantastical Opera
“Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ Returns to the Met
http://www.wsj.com/articles/enchanted-ecstatic-offerings-plus-a-fantastical-opera-1421026952

Hooting, Hissing and Ululating to Protest
Man’s Inhumanity Carmina Slovenica Sings the Haunting “Toxic Psalms’
read more

Of a Feather, but a Flock Apart
Mariinsky Ballerinas Talk About Starring in “Swan Lake’
read more

Gilbert, Philharmonic warm winter’s chill with trio of Romantic works –
 See more at:
read more
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Fort Lauderdale
Curtain may fall on Florida Grand Opera performances in Fort Lauderdale
read more

Cleveland
Cleveland Orchestra warms a cold winter night with a blazing Daphnis et Chloé
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-daphnis-welser-most-cleveland-january-2015

Los Angeles
Semi-staged Missa solemnis marks Tilson Thomas’ 70th birthday
read more

Feuilleton
Ice and fire: the classical music scene in Iceland
http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/jan/09/classical-music-scene-in-iceland

Reviews vom 12.1.2015

London
The Royal Danish Ballet: Bournonville Celebration, review
Peacock Theatre: ‘worth the wait’ The Danish company’s first visit to Britain in 10 years shows a little bit of Bournonville goes a long way
read more

András Schiff: A Schubert & Beethoven Celebration, review, Wigmore Hall: ‘extraordinary and intense’
The virtuoso pianist’s concert seemed like the grail for which all his performances had been searching
read more

Rafał Blechacz review – technically brilliant, emotionally lacking Wigmore Hall, London
A programme of Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin failed to bring out the best in this award-winning pianist
read more

New York
On NYC Stages, a Bounty of Latvian Performers 3 Singers
From the Northern European Country Appear in Metropolitan Opera Productions This Season
read more

Stormy Waters Decide a Family’s Fate “The Scarlet Ibis’ Blends Opera With Puppetry
read more

Weisman’s “Scarlet Ibis” just misses greatness in world premiere at Prototype Festival
Mehr Info

Vorschau
New York City Ballet Opens 2015 Season
With Ballets By George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Peter Martins
read more

Reviews vom 11.1.2015

London
The Royal Danish Ballet: Bournonville Celebration, review
Peacock Theatre: ‘worth the wait’ The Danish company’s first visit to Britain in 10 years shows a little bit of Bournonville goes a long way
read more

András Schiff: A Schubert & Beethoven Celebration, review, Wigmore Hall: ‘extraordinary and intense’
The virtuoso pianist’s concert seemed like the grail for which all his performances had been searching
read more

Rafał Blechacz review – technically brilliant, emotionally lacking Wigmore Hall, London
A programme of Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin failed to bring out the best in this award-winning pianist
read more

New York
On NYC Stages, a Bounty of Latvian Performers 3 Singers
From the Northern European Country Appear in Metropolitan Opera Productions This Season
read more

Stormy Waters Decide a Family’s Fate “The Scarlet Ibis’ Blends Opera With Puppetry
read more

Weisman’s “Scarlet Ibis” just misses greatness in world premiere at Prototype Festival
Mehr Info

Vorschau
New York City Ballet Opens 2015 Season
With Ballets By George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Peter Martins
read more

Salt Lake City
Vorschau: Utah Opera dives into “The Pearl Fishers’
Mehr Info

Feuilleton
Why Beethoven has got cardiologists’ hearts racing
Did Beethoven’s arrhythmia influence his greatest works? Ivan Hewett investigates
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 10.1.201

Zürich
Loud and clear: a fine programme of Chopin and Ravel at the Tonhalle
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-bringuier-zurich-tonhalle-january-2015

London
2015 in the Opera House: Summer Festivals
read more

Simón Bolívar SO of Venezuela/Dudamel review – where was the verve?
Royal Festival Hall, London Beethoven’s Fifth lacked pathos and the Wagner was short on tension in a programme that seemed misconceived
Mehr Info
Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, Southbank Centre, review: ‘masterly’
Gustavo Dudamel and his orchestra cast their populist image – and recent criticism – aside for a first-rate concert, says Ivan Hewett read more
Dudamel drives the Simón Bolívars to opulence and excess
 read more

Park Lane Group, South Bank Centre, review: ‘an emotional honesty’
Krzysztof Penderecki’s work was only partly well served by this New Year Series concert, says John Allison
read more

Miami
Florida Grand Opera threatens to end Fort Lauderdale shows unless donors come through http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/performing-arts/article5620665.html

San Antonio
Review: Opera San Antonio’s “Salome’ at Tobin Center
read more

Feuilleton
Ten pieces of music that were once thought impossible to play
Which masterpieces came close to never being performed?
 read more

Reviews vom 9.1.2015

Paris
Distant notes
A grand new concert hall opens in an unfashionable district. Can it become a draw?
read more

London
Swan Lake, Coliseum, review: ‘a feast for the eyes’
Odette and Siegfried’s chemistry didn’t quite ignite in this expertly executed production, says Mark Monahan
read more

English National Ballet: Swan Lake review
Cojocaru and Vasiliev create poetry in motion
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/08/english-national-ballet-swan-lake-review

Swan Lake, review: Ivan Vasiliev’s debut as the Prince is explosive
read more

Brentano Quartet review – a masterclass in eloquence Wigmore Hall, London
This collegial quartet’s varied programme of Mozart, Bartók and Brahms was most gratifying in its more introspective moments
read more

New York
Cultivating a More Youthful Orchestra
American orchestras and major music institutions are chasing youth with ever more ambitious programs to reach, and teach, the next generation of players
read more

Tanz
Alvin Ailey Strikes Again With Ronald K. Brown and a Human Ostrich
read more

San Francisco
S.F. Opera’s new season: ‘Luisa Miller,’ ‘Sweeney Todd,’ ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’
read more

S.F. Opera’s hunt for director sets stage for future
http://www.sfgate.com/music/article/S-F-Opera-s-hunt-for-director-sets-stage-for-6000415.php

Long Beach
Long Beach Opera Opens 2015 Season With Los Angeles Premiere Of Thérèse Raquin
read more

Toronto
Truro soprano Jane Archibald debuts in Don Giovanni
read more

Reviews vom 8.1.2015

London
Tom Piper and Orfeo: From poppies to opera
The designer of the Tower of London installation, Tom Piper is glad to be working backstage again, he tells Jessica Duchen
read more

Garrick Ohlsson review – technically assured, ambitious Scriabin
read more

New York
Major Miscast: Renée Fleming Makes a Sour “Merry Widow’ at the Met
And Peter Gelb should be mortified to present such homophobic minstrelsy
read more

Marian Anderson’s Groundbreaking
Met Opera Moment Sixty years ago Wednesday, Anderson became the first African-American soloist to sing at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. She was in her late 50s when she appeared Jan. 7, 1955, in Verdi’s Un ballo en maschera.
read more

Chicago
Sounds of summer beckon at Grant Park
read more

Dallas
The Dallas Opera Presents LA WALLY (Act IV) and the World Premiere of EVEREST, 1/30-2/7
read more

Bangkok
Mozart’s beloved opera shines through international cast
read more

Ton- und Bildträger
Sony Classical Exclusive Artist Sonya Yoncheva to Release Debut Album ‘Paris, Mon Amour’
read more

Reviews vom 7.1.2015

Paris
Nouvels Philharmonie für Paris
http://orf.at/stories/2259960/2259980/

London
Park Lane Group, Southbank Centre, review: ‘dense and difficult’
The Park Lane Group is a charity that exists to provide a platform for young performers. Ivan Hewett hoped for more youthful energy and surprise
Mehr Info

Jonas Kaufmann review – grand vocalism and a glorious tone
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/06/jonas-kaufmann-wigmore-hall-review

New York
Discounted Tickets: A Test for the Metropolitan Opera
read more

Review Roundup: Susan Stroman’s THE MERRY WIDOW Opens at the Met
read more

Chicago
Interview
Anne Sofie von Otter still looking for new musical worlds to conquer
read more

Seoul
Korea National Opera has new general director
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/people/2015/01/178_171202.html

Feuilleton
Tim Ashley’s opera guide: marital hell
In the last of his opera guides, Tim Ashley selects five great works that explore what happens when they didn’t live happily ever after, and shows where to find the best versions online
read more

Beethoven’s heart and Wagner’s bowels, and why they don’t matter
The trend to draw parallels between the specifics of a composer’s possible medical history and the particularities of his music should come – well, with a musicological health-warning.
read more

Reviews vom 5.1.2015

London
Don Quixote review – the Royal Ballet’s Spanish party takes a while to get going
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jan/04/don-quixote-royal-ballet-review

Vorschau
‘Lyre, lyre: Bringing Orfeo’ to the London stage
read more

Charleston
Spoleto Festival USA Announces 2015 Season: May 22-June 7
read more

Sidney
La Bohème | Opera Australia
read more

La Boheme review: Decay and decadence in Puccini’s brilliant panoply of life’s diversit
read more

BWW Reviews: Opera Australia’s LA BOHÈME Is a Moving and Powerful Interpretation Of This Timeless Stor
read more

The Magic Flute review: A shorter but still perfectly formed revival casts a spectacular spell
read more

Feuilleton
Changing of the Guard: Five Prima Ballerinas Reflect on the Biggest Change in the Dance World
Mehr Info

Moscow’s oddest puppet theater: Ambulances, Shakespeare menus and Lilikans
Mehr Info

Reviews vom 4.1.2015

München
An intoxicating L’elisir d’amore in Munich
read more

London
96 things you shouldn’t miss in 2015
Daring risks, surprising twists and welcome returns – our critics select the cultural highlights of 2015
read more

New York
The Olden Days, With Nymphs and Trolls Royal Danish Ballet Brings Bournonville Back to New York
read more

Baltimore
Commentary: The tentative state of opera in Baltimore
 read more

San Antonio
Interview mit Patricia Racette Decadent, Magnificent “Salome’ Comes To San Antonio
http://tpr.org/post/decadent-magnificent-salome-comes-san-antonio

Sidney
‘So childish’: Opera Australia artistic director Lyndon Terracini revokes critics’ tickets over bad Reviews
read more

Ton- und Bildträger
Brahms From Different Batons Riccardo Chailly and Christian Thielemann’s Opposing Visions
read more

Feuilleton
10 of the best: long works
 Mehr Info

Reviews vom 3.1 2015

Berlin
Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Sixth Symphony swagger and sparkle in Berlin
read more

Salerno
A traditional Carmen in Salerno
http://bachtrack.com/de_DE/review-carmen-antonacci-oren-salerno-december-2014

London
Classical and opera highlights of 2015: Bellini, Monteverdi and The Indian Queen
read more

Opera Britannia’s 2014 roundup
http://operabritanniauk.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/opera-britannias-2014-roundup/

Michael Kennedy, world authority on classical music, dies aged 88
The former Telegraph classical music critic has died aged 88
 read more

New York
Talking (and Talking) About Love Susan Stroman’s “The Merry Widow’ at the Met
read more

Met Opera: A New ‘Merry Widow’ With Renee Fleming In Widow’s Weeds
read more

Champagne goes a bit flat in Met’s new “Merry Widow”
read more

The Merry Widow, Metropolitan Opera, New York — Review
Susan Stroman’s production ramps up the cutesiness to offset the venue’s lack of intimacy http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/c4119eb8-90f2-11e4-8134-00144feabdc0.html

Gala opening to The Merry Widow at The Metropolitan Opera
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‘The Merry Widow’ starring Renée Fleming, Nathan Gunn and Kelli O’Hara opens at the Metropolitan Opera
read more

Making Merry With “Widow’ Celebrities Turn Out for Premiere at Metropolitan Opera House http://www.wsj.com/articles/making-merry-with-widow-1420163940

Wilson’s triumphant Met debut lifts a long night in the desert
 Mehr Info

Reviews vom 2.1.2015

London Review-Nachzügler zu „Tristan und Isolde“ am ROH
Royal Opera’s Tristan und Isolde: an absurd production – but still a magnificent night
Stephen Gould and Nina Stemme were not ideal but Iain Patterson and Sarah Connolly were
read more

New York
Rising star Michael Fabiano calls Bonita — and opera stages all over the world — home
read more

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players H.M.S.
Pinafore Silly Fun for Adults and One Small Blond Boy
read more

Reviews vom 1.1.2015

Rimini
The show must go on for Greek soprano after ferry fire
read more

London
Best of 2014: Dance & Ballet 12 unforgettable events from a rich year
http://www.theartsdesk.com/dance/best-2014-dance-ballet

New York
When Singing Verdi, Perfection Is No Substitute for Passion Stephen Costello and Tamara Wilson Show Opposing Approaches
read more

Chicago
The highs and lows of classical music in 2014
read more

Sidney
Classical and opera in 2014: Robertson settles in as operatic highlights come from companies big and tiny
read more

Feuilleton
How Shostakovich’s The Bolt changed ballet history
Stalin’s brutal state clampdown on anything out of step with the regime changed the course of many lives, including some of the most important figures in ballet
read more