Jonathan Miller’s La bohème at the ENO
“Unlike many directors who have tried and failed to grasp the true subtleties of the work, Jonathan Miller brings a sensitivity that entrances the entire audience.”
Browsing: Music
David Bowie is…
“The V&A’s latest blockbuster exhibition pays tribute to one of the most successful British musicians of living memory by exploring Bowie’s own influences as a creative genius.”
Let’s Face the Music: A Chorus Line
“A Chorus Line is a proper musical. It has glittery top hats and everything. Yet it is unlike any other musical since it shows the ugly side of its own business…”
A Cut Above: The ENO’s Barber of Seville
It was a pleasure to see that the ENO haven’t entirely turned their backs on the more traditionally staged productions, even if they do only appear to have confidence in those Jonathan Miller has had a hand in.
The Drapes of Wrath: La Traviata
The 1852 novel by Alexandre Dumas, La dame aux Camélias is a story of two…
Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company: Quimeras at Sadler’s Wells
“It was the press night of the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company’s Quimeras . The journalist seated beside me whooped at any opportunity, sobbed during the second half, and was the first one to her feet when it came to the standing ovation.”
Handbags at Dawn: Carmen at the ENO
“Carmen, Bizet’s masterpiece, was first performed at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1875 where it initially received only limited success before catching the imagination of opera lovers everywhere.”
Don Giovanni at the ENO
“I saw a man synonymous with the blackest of black arts. A charmer, of course, and charismatic with it, but a figure so mired in treachery and deceit that one’s blood runs cold to see this shameless exhibitionist let loose upon the world.”
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Monday evenings are hard to satisfy, aren’t they? Too early in the week to make…
Album Review: Kristina Train – Dark Black
Ahead of an interview I have coming up soon with Kristina Train, I reviewed the Savannah,…
Julius Caesar at the ENO
“I would never have imagined Caesar in cowboy boots. Having said that, nor would I have pictured Ptolemy wielding a croquet bat as his weapon of choice.” Handel’s ‘Julius Caesar’ at the English National Opera…
Fauré’s Requiem at St Martin-in-the-Fields
“We had a direct view of the English Chamber Choir and orchestra; the Belmont Ensemble of London, conscientiously tuning their instruments and awaiting the conductor’s signal to begin…”