Upcoming of note: Opera hits in BC & Henry VIII in Boston

Editorial

On the opposite coast, Boston-based Odyssey Opera is set to offer its latest in opera's under-performed masterpieces. Saint-Saëns' 1883 opera, Henry VIII, centres on the famed love triangle between the Tudor king, his first wife Catherine of Aragon, and his soon-to-be second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Talking with composers: Jonathan Dove

Interview

"I don't try to write anything down until it's already quite a long way to being finished in my mind. Before that, I just keep playing (piano or keyboard) until I have an idea that seems to have a future, and then follow where it leads."

Elvis Costello's The Juliet Letters versatile & imaginative

Review

The staging and direction of this song cycle by Cara Gabriel was versatile and imaginative. The singers moved seamlessly between songs. I had absolutely no idea what the music would sound like, and I was pleasantly surprised. There were some minimalist crunchy 20th-century moments, but overall the melodies were beautiful and catchy. Some sounded very operatic, and some had a flower child, Simon and Garfunkel vibe.

An ambiguous Turn of the Screw at Garsington Opera

Review

This beautiful period production of Britten's The Turn of the Screw, directed by Louisa Muller, is no exception. The newly and rather cleverly built Opera Pavilion borrows from Japanese architecture, creating a space which ambiguously walks the line between the indoor and the outdoor.

Raw & exposed: Wozzeck

Review

Certain characters and scenes were exaggerated and grotesque, accentuating Wozzeck's unreliable interpretation of reality. Other moments, however, were unsettling precisely because they felt so realistic. The omnipresent menacing atmosphere was palpable throughout the opera, and McIntyre did not pull any punches when it came to the pivotal murder scene.

Talent & polish in Heroic Opera's Macbeth

Review

The music throughout was also brilliant. Perri Lo did a masterful job as the music director, especially with the ensemble scenes. Congratulations to everyone involved. Macbeth was a highly memorable top-notch production overflowing with talent and polish.

Simple joys in Noye's Fludde

Review

There was a palpable feeling of euphoria when the storm finally clears and Noah and his family realise, they have been spared. Their surprise, relief, and gratitude was genuine and infectious.

The ever-relevant classic: ROH's Marriage of Figaro

Review

Somehow, though now over two hundred years old, it maintains a certain freshness. Even a standard production like this 2006 David McVicar classic which this season sees its sixth revival run at the Royal Opera, still feels relevant.

Bring your tissues to DMMO's La bohème

Review

The main factor that makes or breaks a production of La bohème is the cast. The six lead characters must have comedic timing, dramatic chops, and believable chemistry. This opera is so popular precisely because all the characters are realistic and likeable.

Don't let the upbeat tunes deceive you: DMMO's Candide

Review

If you're looking for a theatrical farce that will leave you with a lot of questions about the human condition, then look no further than Des Moines Metro Opera's charming production of Candide.