Lucia di Lammermoor

A manifesto of Italian romanticism, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor is a tale of dark atmosphere and turbulent love. Teatro alla Scala presents its new production under the signature of stage director Yannis Kokkos, whose sober vision remains faithful to the libretto with elegance, emotion and the expression of passions over any gesture of modernity. Conductor Riccardo Chailly leads a splendid vocal cast: Lisette Oropesa delivers a compelling Lucia of vocal refinement and emotional depth, while Juan Diego Flórez brings elegance and lyrical intensity to Edgardo. The Orchestra and Chorus give an exceptional interpretation, creating a “beautiful, rich, ominous sound” (Bachtrack). “Riveting. Flórez and Oropesa did not disappoint on the opening night …. The chemistry between them is electrifying from the opening duet. (FINANCIAL TIMES)

Don Pasquale

After four decades, Donizetti’s Don Pasquale returns to the renowned Vienna State Opera in a cheeky, highly entertaining new staging by Irina Brook. As if to make up for the neglect from which the work has been suffering, Brook’s “operacartoon” (Die Presse) with its opulent, colourful setting features a splendid cast, led by star-tenor Juan Diego Flórez. Flórez, “without a doubt the leading Bel Canto tenor of today, places his legendary, sheer impeccable high notes in all their splendour” (Die Presse)

Verdi: Jérusalem

For Verdi lovers, the Festival Verdi in Parma is the place to be, especially for rare Verdi stagings such as “Jérusalem”. The opulent staging by Hugo de Ana, also responsible for the grandiose set design and gorgeous costumes, is “overwhelming with its phenomenal illusionist effects and breathtaking desert scenes” (klassik-begeistert.de). Star tenor Ramón Vargas sings Gaston and Annick Massis his lover Hélène. Pablo Galvez impresses as Count of Toulouse, whose brother Roger is excellently sung by Michele Pertusi. Under the baton of Daniele Calligari, the Chorus of the Teatro Regio di Parma gives an outstanding performance.

LSO: Noseda conducts Verdi: Requiem

Gianandrea Noseda gathers together an outstanding cast of Italian stars for this searing performance of Verdi’s Requiem. PROGRAM Verdi: Requiem