Jaw-dropping: The Nose at ROH

Review

The Nose - particularly in Kosky's production - is truly an ensemble opera, and every single detail felt part of a curious world, one hard to describe, yet perfectly recognizable. The dancers, the Royal Opera House chorus, even the curious balalaika player in exaggerated traditional costume - it was completely, delightfully, ridiculous.

In review: The Pearl Fishers at ENO

Review

The ENO Chorus had a busy night, and they delivered solid, precise crowd scenes, full of sparkling individuality. With the booming James Creswell as Nourabad, they created a world that drew us in. Under maestro Roland Böer, the ENO Orchestra had a lush, rich sound; at times it overpowered, yet perhaps it was only a problem for the orchestra-level seats.

Talking with singers: Marina Rebeka

Interview

Though the Metropolitan Opera is no small test of a singer's nerves, Rebeka found singing in her home town of Riga to be a daunting task. "The feeling with singing at home was always very complicated," she says. Rebeka's professional career began in Germany, and when she sang at home, the pressure to prove herself seemed great. "Singing for family and friends, on one hand, it's great; on the other hand, it's like, 'OK, let's see what she has learned abroad.'"

Thrilling nights: Boys of Paradise

Review

The contemporary story of highs and lows is smartly encased in the very old story of the Phoenix, where Twink embodies the bird who is reborn out of his own ashes. Boys of Paradise could have been an opportunity for camp, shock value, and lame attempts at drug and sex imagery; yet there was something ironically polished about this dirty, uncomfortable story that allows the audience to sympathise, judge, and experience catharsis all at once.

Gordon & Vavrek's 27: the New York premiere

Interview

"The idea was inspired by the idea of writing an opera for Stephanie, because of the personal relationship I have with her and knowing how her favorite thing to do is PRESIDE! It seemed a perfect fit and it has been a dream. She is an outsized voice and personality like Stein, it is a perfect fit. Stephanie has enormous love, artistry, courage, basically, BALLS!"

Don't miss: Comfort

Interview

"The Chinese opera and music of 'The Butterfly Lovers', is the cultural character in the play, from which the heroine and hero fall in love and through which they survive the atrocities of war. The opera's themes such as gender equality, love, and redemption echo those in the contemporary story of the young lovers' dreams and hopes in 1930s China and how their love stands up against war."

Artists management pages: a PSA for singers

Editorial

So, take 10 minutes today to see if your management page really is a one-stop place for your current biography, your website and social media feeds, and great downloadable photos. You know, all that stuff that you worked hard at and for which you paid dearly.

What's your opera dress code?

Editorial

The opera world is often full of rich-looking theatres, expensive concessions, and wealthy patrons; but in truth, the vast majority of the artists making it all happen are not in the wealthy camp. They spend staggering proportions of their income on a great pair of shoes, a well-tailored suit, and a few great dresses that they hope will carry them through seasons of donor dinners, after-show cocktail parties, and other events where the starving artists need to look anything but broke.

Ariodante, or the Hebridean Handel

Review

As Dalinda, Ambur Braid delivers the most nuanced and moving performance. As the meek and quiet and withdrawn maiden, you're drawn in to her from the moment the curtain rises. Then she sings, and she pours every ounce of Dalinda's yearning, innocence, and devotion into every note she sang. She had the remarkable ability to blend into the scenery and be all you can see at the same time.

Review: Sondra slays in Bellini masterwork

Review

Obviously, Canadian-American soprano sensation Sondra Radvanovsky knocked it out of the park. The instrument is astounding, the acting is on point. Watching Radvanovsky sing this role is guaranteed to remain a highlight of the season, not just for me, but for Toronto as a whole. I could go on and on (and on), but the only way you're going to understand is really to get your butt down and hear it.