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Maria Callas - Pure (Warner Classics)
Callas recorded for EMI (now part of the Warner stable) for the best part of her professional life. It remains perhaps the most remarkable discography left by a singer, and huge thanks are due to Warner for returning to the original recording tapes in a gigantic undertaking that has resulted in Callas' entire catalogue being reissued and remastered with sound quality unlike we have heard before. Cleaned up but with their essence not tampered with, her recordings are now more immediate and fresh, instantly arresting and it has become easier to comprehend the genius that Callas unquestionably was. You can invest in the complete works with an awesome box set, or buy recitals and operas individually. But if you want to have a listen to how great the changes are, you could start with Pure, a single-CD release featuring tracks from throughout her career. Many of them were recorded in her prime, with some from the latter years when vocal troubles beset the voice – but not the art. As a CD of favourite soprano arias, it works perfectly. As a sampler of the Callas catalogue, it merely hints at the treasures within.
Buy Pure from the ROH Shop
Antonio Pappano – Rossini Overtures (Warner Classics)
We need hardly pretend we didn't know Antonio Pappano was a great Rossinian, so the spark evident in this disc won't surprise anybody. Pappano 'gets' Rossini – the subtle gradations of colour and tempi that make this music unique - and here he catches the tinta of each overture. It's a great mix of the familiar and the less so – overtures from La Cenerentola and Il barbiere di Siviglia we can all hum along to, alongside lesser-known extracts from Semiramide and Le siege de Corinthe, the latter almost Mozartian in its formal detail. The penultimate track is the opening of Guillaume Tell, which Pappano will conduct later this Season - one of six operas at Covent Garden he's unleashing his baton on in 2014/15. Finally, the disc is rounded off on an unexpected note with a wind quartet, 'Andante e tema con variazione' – a work totally unfamiliar to me but well worth hearing.
Buy Rossini Overtures from the ROH Shop
Cecilia Bartoli – St Petersburg (Decca)
It seems that there's no stopping Cecilia Bartoli in her quest for the rare and the valuable. Her latest musical excavation takes her to the Imperial court of St Petersburg, where Italian opera was all the rage with the Tsars. Much of the music though has fallen into obscurity, but on this CD you can enjoy an astoundingly good selection of arias never before recorded - and in many cases - not heard in centuries. The range is astonishing and each work plays to Bartoli's strengths: if the voice is no longer as full as it was, it is still remarkable in its flexibility and range and fully equal to the technical demands of the style. Bartoli has never gives less than her all, and as ever her energy and commitment bursts from the speakers. If Cimarosa is the only familiar composer on the disc, the real discovery for me is Raupach, writing in Russian: full marks to Bartoli for delivering some fiercely challenging music in a language she has not sung previously. This is the best of her recent discs, I think, and a must-have.
Buy St Petersburg from the ROH Shop
The Royal Opera House Online Shop stocks a full range of classical recordings, as well as DVDs and merchandise.]]>
Make sure you snap up a ticket to #ROHElisir - singing is uniformly top notch & Pelly's sunny production really brightens up a grey November
— Tom Oxenham (@tomoxenham) November 19, 2014
#ROHelisir hugely enjoyable show with an excellent cast and conductor. Nemorino is an ideal role for @VittorioGrigolo who sang superbly
— Michael Llewellyn (@michael456789) November 19, 2014
Congratulations, Lucy Crowe, superb 1st night perf #ROHelisir less than 12 weeks after birth of baby. One proud Mum!
— Clare Colvin (@ClareColvin3) November 19, 2014
#ROHElisir has shot to the top of the season's highlights - a totally satisfying night at the opera.
— Attila (@attilalondon) November 19, 2014
@vittoriogrigolo conquers all with winning combination of stylish singing & comic acting in an otherwise humdrum revival of #ROHelisir.
— Nick Macrae (@violanick) November 18, 2014
Caught Act 3 of #ROHelisir again from Upper Slips. Just so wonderful. A #opera to brighten your soul. Shows life can be silly yet beautiful
— Alexander Wilson (@AlexWRWilson) November 18, 2014
Bitterly delightful opening night of #ROHelisir, superb singing by @VittorioGrigolo's lovable Nemorino. Can't stop smiling!!
— Leeann Chen (@Leeann_Ch) November 18, 2014
Found #ROHelisir delightful. A real confection with a totally game cast, especially Lucy Crowe in seductress mode & the mighty @Bryn_Terfel!
— Adrian (@Adrian_Specs) November 18, 2014
A brilliant L'Elisir D'Amore at Covent Garden. An opera with a happy ending - the most sparkling show in town #ROHelisir @VittorioGrigolo
— David Hornby (@DavidHornbyUK) November 18, 2014
Press reviews:
Telegraph ★★★★
Times (Paywall) ★★★★
Independent ★★★★
What's On Stage ★★★★
Financial Times ★★★★
The Stage ★★★★
Arts Desk (Paywall) ★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★
Guardian ★★★
What did you think of L'elisir d'amore?
L'elisir d'amore runs until 13 December 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production will be broadcast live to cinemas around the world on 26 November 2014. Find your nearest cinema here.
The production is a co-production with Opéra National de Paris and is given with generous philanthropic support from Mrs Aline Foriel-Destezet.]]>
#ROHGlare highly recommend this operatic thriller. Exciting cinematic score and staging. Superb cast sung and acted with great intensity
— Michael Llewellyn (@michael456789) November 15, 2014
Saw the premiere of #ROHglare last Friday. Nothing like I've ever seen - most recommended 'humonstrosity'! http://t.co/HF15Jqd0bd — Karolina (@stalagmi) November 17, 2014
... The best thing about #ROHglare ... Thankfully short. But horribly misogynist ...
— Lieto Fine (@LietoFineLondon) November 14, 2014
@LietoFineLondon really? Think its the opposite of Mysogynist, critique of male view of women... And story/text written by a woman #ROHglare
— Kasper Holten (@kasperholten) November 14, 2014
Enjoyed #ROHglare tonight @RoyalOperaHouse Was particularly impressed by @ashleyriches ability to sing and play pool at the same time...
— Christopher Adams (@beijingcoma) November 15, 2014
I'm not reviewing #ROHglare. But perhaps that's just as well, because I feel bemused and depressed by its wretched muddle of good intentions — Rupert Christiansen (@Rupechri) November 14, 2014
Have to see #Glare again @RoyalOperaHouse-mesmerising performances, seriously exciting new music, brilliant concept and a libretto to match.
— John Keevill (@otoid) November 15, 2014
Whoever thinks opera is just for classic music lovers is a fool #Rohglare has it all! My favourite music!: Classic, jazz, electro & dubstep — Mary Grace Nguyen (@MaryGNguyen) November 14, 2014
Press reviews:
Times (Paywall) ★★★★★
The Upcoming ★★★★
Guardian ★★★
Arts Desk ★★★
What's On Stage ★★
What did you think of Glare?
Glare runs until 22 November 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production is generously supported by the Friends of Covent Garden.
Loved #ROHage, each character their own and dancing their own story. Great cast chemistry. Kept me guessing the whole way through.
— Catchip (@catchip) November 7, 2014
I was never *not* gonna like a ballet with handsome sailors, sexual tension and booze, but #rohage was outrageously fantastic.
— Butterball (@Lil_butterball) November 7, 2014
#ROHage Loved it. Like a Hopper painting brought to life.
— Christophe Gregoire (@southlondonista) November 7, 2014
Never seen a person dance with so much energy and grace as Marcelino Sambé in #ROHinnocence @RoyalOperaHouse
— Kate Aldridge (@KateAldridgeUK) November 7, 2014
#rohinnocence is like seeing a novel with fluid movements and deep emotions. Amazing projection and lighting too.
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) November 7, 2014
So #ROHInnocence is the wannabe DonGiovanni of ballet, lots of projections, little dancing.
— Sebastian (@Sebastian_G_A) November 7, 2014
Superb projections in @TheRoyalBallet #ceremony and outstanding designs by JM Puissant in #Aeternum; #Britten wonderful. #unsung heroes.
— yassyk (@balletyas) November 7, 2014
Very moving #ROHaeternum final pd2. Part 2 seems to have lost some precision & energy but v enjoyable. Great to see it back on stage :)
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) November 7, 2014
@MNunezOfficial once again exceptionally beautiful and haunting in Aeternum, still just as powerful the second time around. Speechless.
— Lucy Alder (@lodilea) November 7, 2014
Press reviews:
Evening Standard (COI) ★★★★, (TAOA) ★★★★★, (A) ★★★
Telegraph ★★★★
Arts Desk (£) ★★★★
Guardian ★★★
Independent ★★★
Times (£) ★★★
What did you think of Ceremony of Innocence / The Age of Anxiety / Aeternum?
The Royal Ballet's mixed programme of Ceremony of Innocence, The Age of Anxiety and Aeternum and runs from 7–17 November 2014. Tickets are still available.
The programme is given with generous philanthropic support from Richard and Delia Baker (Ceremony of Innocence) Simon and Virginia Robertson, Kenneth and Susan Green, Karl and Holly Peterson, The Age of Anxiety Production Syndicate, the Friends of Covent Garden and an anonymous donor (The Age of Anxiety) and The Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.
Singing was great. In particular Stanislas de Barbeyrac's Arbace. Bevan & Polenzani were great and loved Bystrom's last aria. #ROHIdomeneo
— Gavin Evans (@gavinevans) November 4, 2014
Great singing killed by a nonsense production! #ROHidomeneo — London GIO (@gioinlondon) November 3, 2014
#RohIdomeneo is a triumph. Great singing, smart production, and all the fish. Super!
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) November 3, 2014
Some terrific singing and playing in #ROHidomeneo tonight. A special mention must go to the rubber shark though... @TheRoyalOpera — Bill Goodall (@thebillgoodall) November 3, 2014
Whilst saddening to see #ROHIdomeneo heavily booed, it wasn't entirely surprising... Thought-provoking concepts but execution wasn't great. — Tom Oxenham (@tomoxenham) November 4, 2014
#ROHidomeneo Sophie Bevan as Ilia was amazing and my favourite! Beautiful orchestral music also! — Alison Carr (@bellamcq1) November 4, 2014
An incredibly thought-provoking performance of #ROHidomeneo this evening - Bravo to all involved @RoyalOperaHouse! — Scott Birrell (@scotty1389) November 3, 2014
Beautiful music was played and sung beautifully. #ROHidomeneo But am not keen on production. It wasn't even shocking but dull... — Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) November 3, 2014
Really loved #ROHidomeneo. Production worked for me. I'm sure the odd Eh? moments will become clear to me on next viewing. — Nicola Davies (@njd2245) November 4, 2014
So refreshing to hear some decent (and well deserved) booing at #ROHidomeneo for the FAIL of a production. — Warwick Thompson (@ThompsonWarwick) November 3, 2014
Would i see #ROHidomeneo again? If i lived in London: yes, i would. Though maybe towards the end of the run, when everything's come together — Fagiolista (@fagiolista) November 4, 2014
Really enjoyed #ROHIdomeneo - compact, mostly cohesive production, and phenomenal singing across the board — Kevin (@NonPiuDiFiori) November 3, 2014
Press reviews:
What's On Stage ★★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★★
Bachtrack ★★★★
Guardian ★★★
Telegraph ★★★
Independent ★★★
Music OMH ★★★
Arts Desk (£) ★★
The Stage ★★
Times (£) ★
What did you think of Idomeneo?
Idomeneo runs until 24 November 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production is a co-production with Opéra de Lyon and Vlaamse Opera, Antwerp, and is generously supported by the Friends of Covent Garden.]]>
#ROHcassandra is a breathtaking work. @damegrace very moving as Cassandra.
— Juliet Ashdown (@JulietAshdown) October 30, 2014
Bravo to @Ludondi & his brilliant #ROHcassandra cast - esp @damegrace - for the powerful yet sensitive handling of a difficult subject.
— Karen McLernon (@BBB_Mrs) October 30, 2014
Still tingling from riveting performance #Cassandra #LudovicOndiviela #Ana Silvera #KateChurch #ROH #London
— Melissa Grassi (@melissagrassi) October 30, 2014
Choreography and dancing were amazing in #ROHcassandra tonight! @damegrace was breathtaking and finally saw @maragaleazzi dance #Dance #ROH
— Georgie Ketteman (@GeorgieKetteman) October 30, 2014
Move over Jenkins & Garrett, the best duetist with oneself is the delightful Yuhui Choe. #rohcassandra
— Lee McLernon (@bangorballetboy) October 30, 2014
V engaging choreo in #RohCassandra, brilliantly danced. Olivia&al excellent. Echoes of Einstein on Beach in music/prod? I lost focus by end
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) October 30, 2014
@AnaSilveraMusic Just went to see #cassandra at the #roh. I'm so happy to see you thriving, my congratulations to your team. Mesmerising!
— Alejandra Diaz (@AlejaDC) October 30, 2014
#rohcassandra was more atmosphere than story,tangible yet elusive.Gorgeous dancing, sound&light, even liked the projections. It just worked
— sandra (@bicoated) October 30, 2014
What did you think of Cassandra?
Cassandra runs until 1 November 2014. Tickets are sold out, though returns may become available.
Ana Silvera is generously supported by PRS for Music Foundation and Women Make Music.
What a great opera. More and more often please. Fantastic Domingo Agresta & Meli #ROHFoscari #vivaverdi
— Cecilia G (@Ceciparis) October 27, 2014
Am quite speachless. Fabulous evening. All singers were stunners. So was @stephenfry 's tie! #Rohfoscari
— ☆ Eliiiiise ☆ (@EliseVDB1) October 27, 2014
#ROHFoscari @PlacidoDomingo sounds a bit wobbly,yet still good on the stage with that bold scarlet cloak.Playing dad& #JudgeDread ain't easy
— Mary Grace Nguyen (@MaryGNguyen) October 27, 2014
Tonight Italy and the UK are closer. Thanks to Placido Domingo and #ROHFoscari!
— Andrea Falcone (@avv_falc) October 27, 2014
Antonio Pappano was amazing conducting #ROHfoscari
— Franziska Löffelbein (@FranziskaLoe) October 27, 2014
New life goal - be as badass as Lucrezia Foscari #ROHfoscari
— HM Magellan (@captain_helen) October 27, 2014
Amazing performance. Who ever said Placido was past it!#ROHFoscari
— Ronny Carton (@RonnyCarton) October 27, 2014
#ROHfoscari Lucrezia such a wonderful voice !!!
— Hélard Margaux (@Marhel_1492) October 27, 2014
Loving #ROHFoscari - great soloists, chorus & orchestra + beautiful painterly staging give force to dark story
— David Costa (@DRC1649) October 27, 2014
What did you think of I due Foscari in cinemas?
The next live relay of the 2014/15 Live Cinema Season will be The Royal Opera's L'elisir d'amore, simulcast on 26 November 2014. Find your nearest cinema and sign up to our mailing list.]]>
I enjoyed Scènes de Ballet much more tonight than in previous runs. A meticulously rehearsed corps and vibrant 4 solo boys #ROHashton
— Karen McLernon (@BBB_Mrs) October 18, 2014
#RohAshton faves this eve: very chic Scènes de Ballet w/ Sarah Lamb & @_stevenmcrae & disciplined corps de ballet comme il faut + Month <3
— The Ballet Bag (@theballetbag) October 18, 2014
I want to love Scènes de Ballet far more than I do but, shallowly, I can't get beyond the costumes #rohashton
— Nellie (@knit2pointe2) October 18, 2014
Thank you Sarah Lamb & @TheRoyalBallet for tonight's #ROHAshton Performance! It's always a pleasure! pic.twitter.com/MLI5g4CeBe
— Steven McRae (@_stevenmcrae) October 18, 2014
Loved Scenes de ballet not sure about Brahms waltzes although impressive petal control from Helen Crawford #ROHAshton
— Gill Dunn (@gilltweet) October 18, 2014
#rohashton Symphonic Variations just creamy. @MNunezOfficial, @YasmineNaghdi, Choe, Muntagirov all excellent, as was the music.
— Michael Potter (@MichaelPotter) October 18, 2014
#ROHAshton @TheRoyalBallet Superb Ashton bill! Symphonic V. cast SUPERB!!! @MNunezOfficial beautiful @YasmineNaghdi very impressive debut!
— NinaF. (@NinaFinmann) October 18, 2014
.@MNunezOfficial after performing in Frederick #Ashton's 'Symphonic Variations' at @RoyalOperaHouse. #ROHAshton pic.twitter.com/xnOUDKg2LK
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) October 18, 2014
Really enjoyed symphonic variations tonight at #ROHAshton - seen it a few times but never loved it that much before. Bravo @TheRoyalBallet !
— Alice Clay (@AliceClay) October 18, 2014
#ROHAshton - Month needs to be preserved on film with the always dramatically wonderful Zanowsky a consummate Ashton dance actress - heaven
— Pat Heath (@TheMemeSays) October 18, 2014
The full breadth of emotion was wrung from A Month in the Country by the whole cast and orchestra. Stunning. Yanowsky, McGuire :) #ROHAshton
— Chris (@ManInSeatD26) October 18, 2014
An amazing #ROHAshton tonight. What more pleasure could you have than dance, watch and be moved by the genius of Sir Fred! @RoyalOperaHouse
— Gary Avis (@balletboy09) October 18, 2014
Press Reviews:
Guardian ★★★★★
Telegraph ★★★★
Financial Times ★★★★
Arts Desk ★★★★
Bachtrack ★★★★
What did you think of The Royal Ballet's Ashton mixed programme?
Scènes de ballet is part of The Royal Ballet's mixed programme of Ashton works, performed until 12 November 2014. Tickets are still available.]]>
I've never seen an actor who can play a 'dying man with anguish' so well. Beautifully performed. Absolutely fantastic. #ROHfoscari
— ebenette (@e_benette) October 14, 2014
Maria Agresta confirmed last night the promise she showed in @teatrolafenice I masnadieri: an even, powerful, flexible voice #ROHfoscari
— Peter Crisp (@PeterCrispBPP) October 15, 2014
Anybody who's booed a Royal Opera production over the last couple of years will love #ROHFoscari - it's ultra traditional, bland, idea-free.
— Jamie Henderson (@jsdhenderson) October 14, 2014
Maria Agresta & Francesco Meli a powerful combination, both sung superb in tough roles. Domingo gave a masterclass performance #ROHfoscari
— Paul (@paulsgking) October 14, 2014
It fell firmly into the category of "glorified concert performance with attractive costumes". #ROHFoscari
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) October 14, 2014
Francesco Meli sounded quite wonderful - the real Italian tenorial deal, and a Verdi stylist #ROHFoscari
— Ed Beveridge (@dredbeveridge) October 14, 2014
Apart from a dip at beginning of Act 3, Verdi's music for I Due Foscari was always interesting, sometimes inspired. #ROHFoscari
— David Cloke (@DavidCloke) October 14, 2014
So, #ROHFoscari. Singing good, music meh, production inoffensive but incredibly static, boring story, zero tension or drama. Just, meh.
— Tiffany (@SecondNorn) October 14, 2014
It's definitely worth it for Domingo, but overall #ROHFoscari seems like a long story that could be told in a haiku
— sandra (@bicoated) October 14, 2014
Press reviews:
Express ★★★★★
Guardian ★★★
Financial Times ★★★
Arts Desk ★★★
What's On Stage ★★★
Telegraph ★★
Independent ★★
What did you think of I due Foscari?
I due Foscari runs until 2 November 2014. Tickets are still available.
The performance on 27 October will be live in cinemas around the world. Find your nearest cinema.
The production is a co-production with Los Angeles Opera, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, Valencia, and Theater an der Wien, and is given at the Royal Opera House with generous philanthropic support from Mrs Aline Foriel-Destezet, Mrs Susan A. Olde OBE, Colm and Ella Kelleher and Mrs Philip Kan.]]>
#ROHtrial does justice to one of my favourite novels. Dramatic, hilarious, and constantly puzzling. Glass's music is a perfect match! #kafka — Julien Hasler (@JulienHasler) October 12, 2014
Great piece of music theatre @MTW_tweets! The score and libretto perfectly in tune, and fittingly presented on stage. Loved #TheTrialMTW — Jan Capiński (@jancapinski) October 11, 2014
Loving #ROHtrial both perfectly Kafkaesque and Glassy. Suitably minimalist austere staging #PhilipGlass #Kafka pic.twitter.com/TYYKK22jjh — Erika Johnston (@operabinoculars) October 10, 2014
Really impressed by #TheTrialMTW @TheRoyalOpera It captured the drama, the humour & the injustice of Kafka's classic. — Victoria Sadler (@VictoriaJSadler) October 11, 2014
Huge thanks to @larkingrumple for spotting that tickets to #ROHtrial were available. Amazing experience. — David Karlin (@davidkarlin) October 11, 2014
@RoyalOperaHouse. Wow! #ROHtrial World premiere of the Trial by Philip Glass. Clever and claustrophobic. Bravo to the cast & musicians. — Owen Richards (@owen_ystwyth) October 10, 2014
Press reviews:
Guardian ★★★★
Telegraph ★★★
What's On Stage ★★★
What did you think of The Trial?
Music Theatre Wales performs Philip Glass's operatic adaptation of The Trial in the Linbury Studio Theatre until 18 October 2014. Tickets are sold out, but returns may become available.
The production is a co-commission and co-production between Music Theatre Wales, The Royal Opera, Theater Magdeburg and Scottish Opera.]]>
Great start to the season with a sexy #ROHManon lots of energy, amazing lifts and heartbreaking third act @TheRoyalBallet @TheRoyalOpera
— Melissa (@Frizzworld) September 27, 2014
Outstanding #ROHManon tonight:Nunez knowing & sensual as Manon; Bonelli the acme of the romantic lover. Both were heartbreaking at the end. — David Cloke (@DavidCloke) September 26, 2014
The nastier the baddies are, the better the whole thing gets. #ROHManon Tonight's Gaoler @balletboy09 was scarily nasty.
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) September 26, 2014
Was especially taken tonight with how unstintingly/graphically the commodification of women was portrayed in @TheRoyalBallet #ROHManon. — Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) September 26, 2014
Well #ROHManon was amazing. Marianela made Manon interesting and complex which I didn't think possible.
— Milly Melon (@millymelon) September 26, 2014
Much as I love opera I have to say that Macmillan's Manon moves me to tears #ROHManon — Roger (@BestBroadsYacht) September 26, 2014
Ric'n'Lau are an unbeatable double act as Lescaut and Mistress #ROHmanon #drunv
— Karen McLernon (@BBB_Mrs) September 26, 2014
I don't remember the gaoler scene ever being quite so... graphic. Am traumatised. #ROHManon
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) September 26, 2014
Press reviews:
Telegraph ★★★★
Arts Desk ★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★
Independent ★★★
What did you think of Manon?
Manon runs until 1 November 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production will be broadcast live in cinemas around the world on 16 October 2014.Find a screening near you.
The production is staged with generous philanthropic support from Celia Blakey, Peter Lloyd and The Royal Opera House Endowment Fund. Original Production (1974) made possible by The Linbury Trust.]]>
Small boy of no more than five sitting next to me at #ROHbarbiere: Mamma, I love this! Please can we come again?
— Katherine Cooper (@ZwischenKath) September 20, 2014
Despite the cast for #rohbarbiere looking so-so on paper, the first night was amazeballs, no? @TheRoyalOpera @hugh_canning @larkingrumple
— Keith McDonnell (@keithmc101) September 20, 2014
Rather fun #ROHBarbiere, though it's still not my favourite piece. Malfi was a delightfully sassy Rosina.
— Kevin (@NonPiuDiFiori) September 19, 2014
#ROHbarbiere was farcical and ludicrous, i.e. a great start to the new season (but looking forward to lots of tragedy and death
— Ian Jones (@hmmrsmth) September 19, 2014
Laughs aplenty, great contrived 'confusion' and orchestra nailing all of Rossini's beautiful light fills at #ROHbarbiere opening night
— Edward Qualtrough (@QedwardRobert) September 19, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera @RoyalOperaHouse Excellent fun tonight! Funniest opera I've seen :) #ROHbarbiere
— Oliver Till (@ollietill) September 19, 2014
Lots of fun in #ROHBarbiere and a knockout Rosina in Serena Malfi, who made a great House debut.
— Mark Pullinger (@larkingrumple) September 19, 2014
One of the funniest, most stylish & enjoyable #barbieres I've seen in 40 years @TheRoyalOpera - FOUR Italians in a brilliant ensemble :) :)
— Hugh Canning (@hugh_canning) September 19, 2014
What did you think of Il barbiere di Siviglia?
Il barbiere di Siviglia runs 19 September–5 October 2014. Tickets are still available.]]>
#ROHRigoletto is the very opera blew me out some years ago & still does. It has all opera essentials. Music, drama, love, vengeance & death.
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) September 12, 2014
#ROHRigoletto this was my gfs first RoH experience. What an introduction!! An incredible performance :) x
— Richard Vodden (@rvodden) September 12, 2014
No thrills, a few spills, but a perfectly solid #ROHRigoletto revival, despite the principals not being consistently at their best.
— Jamie Henderson (@jsdhenderson) September 12, 2014
#ROHrigoletto beautiful singing, no dry eyes in house! @RoyalOperaHouse
— Ian Williams (@igw44) September 12, 2014
Oh Simon Keenlyside!! Superb singing and acting #ROHRigoletto
— Wisdom Hill (@Scarlet2046) September 12, 2014
Rigoletto conducted as Parsifal. Travesty.
— Mark Pullinger (@larkingrumple) September 12, 2014
@RoyalOperaHouse #ROHRigoletto chorus in perfect form So happy to hear and see them again !!! <3 <3 <3
— Hariclea Darclee (@Hariclea) September 12, 2014
@RoyalOperaHouse great 1st night Rigoletto- Simon Keenlyside gives his all and grips you to the end-Aleksandra Kursak superb too! Don't miss
— Keith McNicoll (@Contraboneman) September 12, 2014
Press reviews:
Express ★★★★
Independent ★★★★
Financial Times ★★★★
What's On Stage ★★★
Guardian ★★★
What did you think of Rigoletto?
Rigoletto runs from 12 September to 6 October 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production will be screened for free around the UK on BP Big Screens on 17 September 2014. Find your nearest screen.
Anna Nicole @RoyalOperaHouse was stunning tonight. My first opera and I loved it. #ROHannanicole — Nathan Elwick (@NathanElwick) September 11, 2014
Under-25s seemed to have a ball @ #ROHannanicole tonite. My 4th time & F- and C-words have palled a tad. E-MW's the bees-knees again! — Hugh Canning (@hugh_canning) September 12, 2014
Nope, not enraptured by #ROHannanicole. Score felt half-baked, the libretto bordering inane... — Leeann Chen (@Leeann_Ch) September 11, 2014
#ROHannanicole #fabulous #funny Great seeing the ROH push boundaries. Anna was #incredible — ForArtSake_K (@MyArtSake) September 12, 2014
#ROHannanicole Anna Nicole was so daring and moving. THANK YOU to the ROH for letting people see something this great for as little as £1. — lily goodchild (@lilygoodchild) September 11, 2014
Very few words to describe #ROHAnnaNicole. Absolutely loved it. A true tragedy for Our Times. — Ted Black (@TedLBlack) September 11, 2014
Last night I discovered I like my opera with a side of popcorn and pole-dancing. #ROHannanicole @RoyalOperaHouse — Anna Ledwich (@baronessledwich) September 12, 2014
What a performance! The enthusiasm in the end says it all. Looking forward to a great opera season. #ROHannanicole #ROHopeningnight — Michael Kitromilidis (@MKitromilidis) September 11, 2014
A selection of your shots from the Season-opening student/under-25 performance:
Press reviews:
Telegraph ★★★★★
What's On Stage ★★★★
Arts Desk ★★★
Evening Standard ★★
Guardian ★★
What did you think of Anna Nicole?
Anna Nicole runs until 24 September 2014. Tickets are still available.
The first performance is a student-only production with tickets priced £1–£25. Find out more about ROH Students. ROH Students is generously made possible by the Bunting Family and Simon Robey.
Shklyarov was the bee's knees. Funny, charming and the most exquisite footwork. He and Batoeva made tonight's #Mariinsky #Cinderella shine
— sandra (@bicoated) August 16, 2014
@TheRoyalBallet @RoyalOperaHouse Oh Act I was beauuuuutiful. Ah I do believe in fairytales
— sheepskinwolf (@sheepskinwolf) August 16, 2014
Shyklyarov & Betoeva were lovely as lead couple tonight.
Thank you & Bye #Mariinsky till your next visit in London!
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) August 16, 2014
@TheRoyalBallet @RoyalOperaHouse Thought Shklyarov & Batoeva shone together and did justice to Prokofiev's witty, poignant music
— Becky Bahar (@Becky_B4) August 16, 2014
Shklyarov and Batoeva great. Wish I could fast forward the rest... #Mariinsky
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) August 16, 2014
@TheRoyalBallet @RoyalOperaHouse Dated production and just not very good. Shame such a disappointing finish to a superb season #Mariinsky
— Rachel Atkinson (@knittingtastic) August 16, 2014
The duets b/w Cinderella/Prince were so beautifully realised. I love how Ratmansky combines classicism w/ contemporary steps. #Mariinsky
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) August 15, 2014
What did you think of the Mariinsky Ballet's Cinderella?
The Mariinsky Ballet's Summer 2014 performances at the Royal Opera House are presented by Victor Hochhauser.]]>
Loved #Mariinsky Firebird (those serried ranks of monsters! That red, gold and blue...) & absolutely adored DSCH #Ratmanskyness. #Joy
— Catchip (@catchip) August 11, 2014
#Vishneva absolutely riveting as Marguerite. Her technical prowess & unceasing investment in the narrative are both magical. #Mariinsky
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) August 11, 2014
Kim shines above a brilliant cast! Concerto DSCH is great fun, with lots of entertaining dancing #Mariinsky
— Sebastian (@Sebastian_G_A) August 11, 2014
Is #Mariinsky's Firebird supposed to be underwater world? (monsters looked to me like sea weeds & corals) The bird didn't drown, thank God!
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) August 11, 2014
And with that #Ratmanskyness the #Mariinsky finally won my heart.
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) August 11, 2014
Mariinsky/Ratmansky #ConcertoDSCH was disconcertingly like MacMillan's Concerto at first, with the "orange people" and "red people"…
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) August 11, 2014
M&A can be such overacted sentimental nonsense. Didn't move me at all... #Mariinsky
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) August 11, 2014
Loved Concerto DSCH - best of the three in my humble opinion, although Vishneva was a wonderful Marguerite. #Mariinsky @TheRoyalBallet
— Lesley Titcomb (@lesleytitcomb) August 11, 2014
What did you think of the Mariinsky Ballet's Firebird/Marguerite and Armand/Concerto DSCH mixed programme?
The Firebird/Marguerite and Armand/Concerto DSCH runs until 12 August 2014. Tickets are sold out though returns may become available.
The Mariinsky Ballet's Summer 2014 performances at the Royal Opera House are presented by Victor Hochhauser.]]>
FAB #Mariinsky Balanchine bill. Don't recall a better overall perf of Apollo w/ Shapran a playful Terpsichore to Shklyarov's youthful God.
— The Ballet Bag (@theballetbag) August 8, 2014
Balanchine's Dream is just magical, Tereshkina perfectly elfin with a tiny touch of malice. Loved every second #Mariinsky
— sandra (@bicoated) August 8, 2014
Nodded off during #Apollo but Midsummer Night's a delight #Balanchine #Mariinsky #Ballet
— hucklecat (@hucklecat123) August 8, 2014
Didn't think I would get confused by midsummer night's dream but I did. #Mariinsky 3 oberons & Sylvia in black tutu? was my thought in act1
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) August 8, 2014
Outstanding performance of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' Tereshkina was a glamorous Titania, dancing with plenty of ease & sweep. #Mariinsky
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) August 8, 2014
Liked the fouettes, but ain't nobody got time for even *more* of that. Soup out. #Mariinsky
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) August 8, 2014
Love Apollo! Hasn't aged a day since 1928... #Mariinsky
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) August 8, 2014
Apollo not my favourite production, but still enjoyable thanks to charismatic Shklyarov and the always beautiful Shapran #Mariinsky
— Isabella Zijp (@Bella_Isy) August 9, 2014
What did you think of Apollo/A Midsummer Night's Dream?
Apollo/A Midsummer Night's Dream runs until 9 August 2014. Tickets are still available.
The Mariinsky Ballet's Summer 2014 performances at the Royal Opera House are presented by Victor Hochhauser.]]>
#OxanaSkorik was a beautiful & elegant Odette-Odile in #swanlake tonight #mariinsky ballet at #ROH
— June Hurst (@juneh49) August 1, 2014
Skoryk takes the saccharine out of Swan Lake, brings out the strengths of both Odette and Odile. Epic #Mariinsky
— Attila (@attilalondon) August 2, 2014
@RoyalOperaHouse #Mariinsky had wonderful dancing, beautiful costumes, and an orchestra that landed with a thud and a honk on Tchaikovsky.
— Jeremy (@4winds7seas) August 1, 2014
.@mariinskyen's Oxana Skorik (Odile) takes a bow after Act II of #Mariinsky's 'Swan Lake' at @RoyalOperaHouse. pic.twitter.com/nz0B6wtOxo
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) August 2, 2014
Askerov so happy to find his Queen, jumped high, lush arcs across the stage #Mariinsky #SwanLake @mariinskyen
— Chris (@ManInSeatD26) August 1, 2014
The corps was utterly utterly magnificent. #Mariinsky #Swanlake
— sandra (@bicoated) August 1, 2014
Amazing performance by Oxana Skorik, Timur Askerov and the best corps de ballet around. Bravo @mariinskyen @royaloperahouse
— Ramanan Raghavendran (@RRword) August 2, 2014
That was so beautiful. The corps were stunning. Skorik's Odile was wicked. #Mariinsky #Swanlake @RoyalOperaHouse
— Melissa (@Frizzworld) August 1, 2014
With her pliant torso & supple arms, Oxana #Skorik cuts a striking figure. As Odette/Odile she was a cipher, projecting v.little. #Mariinsky
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) August 1, 2014
Interesting choice with that ending #Mariinsky. AMAZING performance, but I wish Odette jumped. #SwanLake
— Czar Josh Ventura (@theczarisalive) August 1, 2014
What did you think of the Mariinsky Ballet's Swan Lake?
The Mariinsky Ballet's Swan Lake runs until 14 August 2014. Tickets are sold out for the full run, but returns may become available.
The Mariinsky Ballet's Summer 2014 performances at the Royal Opera House are presented by Victor Hochhauser.]]>
If the rest of the #Mariinsky performances are anywhere as good as the Shklyarov/Vishneva R&J, my head is likely to explode in 2 weeks or so
— sandra (@bicoated) July 28, 2014
Larovsky's 'Romeo & Juliet' often verges on pantomime but Vishneva/Shklyarov dazzle (& break hearts) as the star-crossed lovers. #Mariinsky
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) July 28, 2014
#Mariinsky #Romeo lacked story telling in acts 1&2. Romeo hardly on stage until Capulet ball. Crowd scenes rather jolly. Vishneva sublime
— R Macrae-Gibson (@RMGCat) July 28, 2014
#Mariinsky #Romeo Stellar performances from Vishneva & Shklyarov, but a very creaky production.
— Luke Jennings (@LukeJennings1) July 28, 2014
Act I of Romeo and Juliet may have the best music, but @mariinskyen dancing in Act II amazing. Tybalt's death just stunning.
— David Karlin (@davidkarlin) July 28, 2014
For all that this prod of R & J seems stilted compared w Macmillan, Shklyarov is one of the most natural Romeo I've ever seen @mariinskyen
— anna merrick (@annakardar) July 28, 2014
While nothing will ever come close to the Acosta/Avis sword fights, that was pretty impressive. #TwoBrokenSwords #IsThatARecord #Mariinsky
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) July 28, 2014
I'm an utter emotional mess after witnessing the heartbreaking beauty of @diana_vishneva & Vladimir Shklyarov's @mariinskyen R&J #spellbound
— Rebecca Jukes (@becca_tweet) July 28, 2014
Shklyarov is deffo one of the world's best Romeos (well, he IS Romeo). And few can rival Vishneva when it comes to the drama. #Mariinsky
— lindauruchurtu (@lindauruchurtu) July 28, 2014
What did you think of the Mariinsky Ballet's Romeo and Juliet?
The Mariinsky Ballet's Romeo and Juliet runs until 31 July 2014. Tickets are sold out though returns may become available.
The company's summer London season runs at the Royal Opera House until 16 August 2014.
Last night's Cubania curated by Carlos Acosta was great show of talent and innovation, a real contemporary dance show.
— Anto (@DerivAnto) July 23, 2014
@TheRoyalBallet Thank you Carlos & cast for a wonderful show. Tocororo made me want to laugh, cry and dance! #Cubania #Bestillmybeatingheart
— Angela Hurlstone (@AuntyAngelala) July 22, 2014
Carlos Acosta and all the other performers were fantastic in #Cubanía at the Royal Opera House tonight! Feel privileged to have seen it!
— Emma Woods (@woodsemma) July 22, 2014
Loved cubania es noche, mucho Gracias @dccuba only missed a bit of stage right action - brilliant @RoyalOperaHouse evening.
— Restricted View (@_RestrictedView) July 21, 2014
#Cubanía opening night at @RoyalOperaHouse was sensational! Amazing show with the incredible Carlos Acosta and @dccuba!
— Myron (@MrCapri) July 22, 2014
@ahmeddickinson the music tonight in #Cubania was fantastic! Thank you for a brilliant performance. I loved it.
— stephanie mill (@art_stephanie) July 21, 2014
What did you think of Cubanía?
Cubanía runs until 23 July. Tickets are sold out though returns may become available]]>
With the curtain now down on The Royal Opera's 2013/14 Season, we want to know what your highlights were.
The Season saw 35 opera and music works performed across the Royal Opera House's main stage and Linbury Studio Theatre - see them at a glance on our 2013/14 infographic. Chief Executive Alex Beard has picked out his favourite moments, but do you agree with him?
We're also looking for your 2013/14 Royal Ballet highlights.
Here are a selection of Season highlights from our Twitter following:
I saw Wozzeck as my first opera, 10 years later I saw it again. It was even better and more brutal the second time around. #ROHreview
— Margaret Brown (@MagsTheObscure) July 21, 2014
#ROHelektra , no hesitation. An electrifying performance! Haven't recovered yet ! #ROHreview @RoyalOperaHouse
— Julien Hasler (@JulienHasler) July 21, 2014
@RoyalOperaHouse Faust! For Sonja Yoncheva's gorgeous singing (plus the added bonus of Bryn Terfel in a dress!) #ROHReview
— Nick Wellings (@Nick_Wellings) July 21, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera Emily Magee's supremely sensitive performance in the haunting, spectral - and brilliant - #ROHfrau. #ROHreview
— Adrian (@Adrian_Specs) July 21, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera Don't have to go back too far #ROHreview to the Jaho / Castronovo partnership in La boheme Beautiful intensity & musicianship
— Jonathan Coulton (@JonathanCoulto1) July 21, 2014
Going into #ROHFrau (student standby stalls tickets!) and being absolutely electrified by the sheer power of the production. #ROHreview
— Leeann Chen (@Leeann_Ch) July 21, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera L'Ormindo was a real delight and my highlight for 13/14.Beautiful and unique! #ROHreview
— Morgan (@Mog83) July 21, 2014
#ROHreview I have to say #ROHBoheme, my very first experience at ROH, and as an opera student absolutely not my last!
— Robert Lind (@RobertLind_) July 21, 2014
What were your Royal Opera highlights of 2013/14?]]>
With the curtain now down on The Royal Ballet's 2013/14 Season, we want to know what your highlights were.
The Season saw more than forty dance works performed across the Royal Opera House's main stage and Linbury Studio Theatre - see them at a glance on our 2013/14 infographic. Chief Executive Alex Beard has picked out his favourite moments, but do you agree with him?
We're also looking for your 2013/14 Royal Opera Highlights.
Here are a selection of Season highlights from our Twitter following:
@TheRoyalBallet #ROHreview #WintersTale powerful narrative,varied choreography,stunning sets,lyrical music,BRILLIANT dance/acting.Had it all
— Maggy Pigott (@MaggyPigott) July 21, 2014
@RoyalOperaHouse Natalia Osipova in everything. Evgenia Obraztsova in Romeo and Juliet. Ashton's Dream and Rhapsody. #ROHreview
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) July 21, 2014
#ROHreview In no partic order. Osipova's Giselle & Juliet; @balletboy09 as Tybalt; dazzling Jewels (@_stevenmcrae & Osipova). #Connectome.
— teaandbiscuit (@teaandbiscuit) July 21, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera #ROHreview Is there just one? Romeo & Juliet with Carlos & Gary @balletboy09 & that swordfight & Don Q with Carlos & Nela! xx
— Sue Bell (@SueGreenMeadow) July 21, 2014
Seeing a sublime Yuhui Choe step in for Osipova's Beauty debut - and reduce the grumbling audience to a wailing, stamping ovation #ROHreview
— Leeann Chen (@Leeann_Ch) July 21, 2014
@TheRoyalBallet #ROHreview every beautiful ballet I saw during #ROHlive especially the winters tale and seeing Osipova dance giselle!
— Alice Packwood (@ap_nh) July 21, 2014
@TheRoyalBallet special mentions: Francesca Hayward - 'Rhapsody,' Yuihui Choe - Aurora, new production of 'The Winter's Tale.' #ROHreview
— Rachel Holland (@LowerSlipsGirl) July 21, 2014
@TheRoyalBallet // MacMillan's 'Gloria' and Robbins 'The Concert, two ballets I had always wanted to see and now have #ROHReview
— Moonbootica (@Moonbootica) July 21, 2014
What were your Royal Ballet highlights of 2013/14?]]>
I'm approaching the end of my first Season at the Royal Opera House and what a brilliant journey it's been. It's impossible to mention everything so here are just some of my personal highlights from a year in this remarkable organization.
It was a year of firsts for me: shadowing the dedicated Box Office, Front of House and Stage Management teams; chairing the board of High House Production Park; and getting a side-stage view of Nutcracker for my mum's 75th birthday. By two months in, I was just about finding my way around the building – catching glimpses of the backstage team and hearing the wonderful, deafening cheers of school children at Schools' Matinees.
It was an incredible Season to take the helm. The Royal Opera under Kasper's leadership has enjoyed brilliant revivals, including Elektra, Tosca, Wozzeck and Le nozze di Figaro; on top of an epic autumn with Tony Pappano's conducting of Parsifal and Les Vêpres siciliennes. Across a strong field, my personal highlights from a year of remarkable music making were Manon Lescaut, Ariadne auf Naxos and Maria Stuarda. In what was probably the most inspiring moment of the year, we saw the Community Ensemble perform so brilliantly alongside Simon Rattle and a wonderful cast in Robert Carsen's Dialogues des Carmélites.
Kevin's Royal Ballet has also been at the top of its game: welcoming back Lauren Cuthbertson after injury and Natalia Osipova joining as a Principal; bringing remarkable world premieres to the stage in Wayne McGregor's Tetractys – The Art of Fugue, Alastair Marriott's Connectome and Christopher Wheeldon's wonderful The Winter's Tale; and a staging of a new Don Quixote choreographed by Carlos Acosta. It's an incredible team.
The Season was bookended by two hugely successful international trips: to New York in September 2013 to see the first revival of Mark-Anthony Turnage's Anna Nicole and Arthur Pita's The Metamorphosis; and a couple of weeks ago to Taipei to see The Royal Ballet fresh from their triumphant appearance on the Bolshoi Stage, ahead of their equally successful visit to Shanghai. The Companies have enjoyed great success at the box office too, with The Royal Ballet reaching 99% occupancy and 91% financial capacity and The Royal Opera 95% and 87%. A brilliant result.
We marked some significant milestones on stage, with celebrations for Kiri Te Kanawa (70), Bernard Haitink (85) and Sir John Tooley's (90) birthdays. Among this year's anniversaries, I hugely enjoyed Turandot, 30 years after seeing the production in its opening year; Ashton's The Dream in its 40th year; and – perhaps above all – the 40th anniversary performance of John Copley's La bohème with John and Anya Sainsbury who have so generously supported the ROH over the years.
Beyond Covent Garden, I sat in on an inspiring Chance to Dance workshop in Stockwell ahead of their brilliant performance in the Linbury, was part of a sell-out crowd at a performance of Verdi's Requiem by the ROH's Thurrock Community Chorus, loved Kasper's L'Ormindo at the Globe's new Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, and joined a knowledgeable and enthusiastic audience for a concert performance of Ariadne auf Naxos at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
I also dashed around town to experience Act 1 of La traviata here in Covent Garden, Act 2 on a BP Big Screen in Trafalgar Square and Act 3 on my laptop at home as we screened it live online across the world for the first time – an exciting feat in a year when the ROH Live cinema audience more than doubled.
In my life beyond the Royal Opera House, I made it to 50, celebrated our daughter's 18th and still managed to get a couple of cricket games in. On which note, I'm very much looking forward to the ROH vs Glyndebourne game next season.
Of all the highlights of the Season, the greatest has been getting to know the staff and artists of the Royal Opera House. From the Silver Medal ceremony (to celebrate those who have worked here for 25 years) to the Prize Giving for departing apprentices, I am constantly reminded that the Royal Opera House lives and flourishes through its remarkable staff. My deep thanks go to them and to you, our audiences and friends. I look forward to seeing all you next Season.]]>
A stellar cast tugs at your heart strings and tickles your funny bone in equal measure, superb #ROHariadne
— Andy Bass (@Hotchi1idog) June 26, 2014
I maybe in a minority, but Zerbinetta just didn't bowl me over in #ROHAriadne - the role should be electrifying.
— Attila (@attilalondon) June 26, 2014
Other big news in #ROHAriadne was @ArchibaldJane whose Zerbinetta was little short of sensational - gloriously sung in lip smacking German
— Ed Beveridge (@dredbeveridge) June 25, 2014
Oh my Karita! If only we had her every season... Might have to see it again! #RohAriadne
— The Ballet Bag (@theballetbag) June 25, 2014
#ROHAriadne Karita was mesmerising. She owned the stage. Other than a little strain at the top, she sung gloriously and became Ariadne.
— David Jones (@schnuckster) June 25, 2014
Mattila is the greatest Crysothemis, Salome & (more controversially) Arabella I've ever heard. Now she's the greatest Ariadne. #ROHAriadne
— Jamie Henderson (@jsdhenderson) June 25, 2014
#ROHAriadne prologue: interesting staging making use of all the available space, clever and pleasing.
— Wisdom Hill (@Scarlet2046) June 25, 2014
Stunning Karita Mattila!! Incredible performances from all ladies in the cast! Sheer magical wizardry from Pappano!! #rohariadne
— Anne Salter (@Anne_WithAn_E) June 25, 2014
Karita Mattila did not just sing Ariadne so mellifluously last night at #ROH. She became Ariadne auf Naxos. #ROHariadne
— Cosmas Vlattas (@Vlattas_C) June 26, 2014
What did you think of Ariadne auf Naxos?
Ariadne auf Naxos runs until 13 July 2014. Tickets are still available. The production is given with generous philanthropic support from Hélène and Jean Peters, Hamish and Sophie Forsyth and The Maestro's Circle.
Antonio Pappano conducts the cast and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in concert at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on 6 July 2014. Tickets are still available.]]>
#ROHquartett has huge performances from all, some ravishing music, staged with effective morbidity.
— Andrew (@chaconato) June 18, 2014
Hugely impressed, if a little mentally scarred, by the incredible @leigh_melrose in #ROHquartett last night!
— Verity Bramson (@VerityBramson) June 19, 2014
#ROHQuartett Thought-provoking but unevenly matched seduction games. Unlike Merteuil, Valmont failed to inflame my loins.
— Jorge Balça (@jorgebalca) June 18, 2014
Stupendous #ROHQuartett !!!! A must see! @leigh_melrose and #KirstinChávez are extraordinary @Ldn_Sinfonietta stunning! BRAVI tutti !
— Minjaš Žugić (@Minjas_Zugik) June 18, 2014
The Linbury is a perfect space for the work, with electronics amplifying the sense of claustrophobia. Great use of space.
— Katy Wright (@KatyWright1) June 18, 2014
Anyone in or near London who cares about opera as a living art-form, as opposed to a fusty museum-piece, should hasten to see #ROHquartett.
— Mark Berry (@boulezian) June 18, 2014
Press reviews:
The Upcoming ★★★★★
Times ★★★★
The Stage ★★★
Telegraph ★★
Independent ★
What did you think of Quartett?
The Royal Opera's new production of Quartett runs until 28 June 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production is given with generous philanthropic support from Mr Stefan Sten Olsson, and is a co-production between The Royal Opera, Opéra de Rouen and London Sinfonietta.
Highlights of #ROHdream: @paul5kay's virtuoso Puck, @Bennet76's pointe-ed Bottom, and the stunning Pas de Deux between Marquez @_stevenmcrae
— DaveTriesBallet (@DaveTriesBallet) May 31, 2014
Beautiful work from #ROHDream fairies tonight, but much audience dismay at Titania's garish wig. Own hair so much better, blonde or not.
— Luke Jennings (@LukeJennings1) May 31, 2014
I do so love #ROHdream: am Very Fussy Indeed about AMND but I like this & @_stevenmcrae meets my exacting standards (set age 4) for Oberon.
— The Zebra Ballerina (@zebra_ballerina) May 31, 2014
Seeing Sibley and Dowell take a curtain call for the 50th anniversary of #ROHdream reminds me how special it is to be at the ROH
— Rosslyn (@auroratobe) May 31, 2014
Excellent Pucking from @paul5kay in #rohdream tonight - oozing spirit and musicality. Younger Pucks could learn a lot from watching!
— Lee McLernon (@bangorballetboy) May 31, 2014
Finally,a conceptual ballet were set,music and dancing complement each other perfectly. Cast was superb,Osipova breathtaking #ROHConnectome
— sandra (@bicoated) June 1, 2014
Just finished seeing @TheRoyalBallet new triple bill. The standout is #ROHconnectome Nothing like #Tectractys thank God. Happy.
— hucklecat123 (@hucklecat123) May 31, 2014
#ROHconnectome looks stunning & is v moving. Bit too much writhing on the floor for me. Bravo for Vasko Vasiliev's magnificent violin solo!
— Karen McLernon (@BBB_Mrs) May 31, 2014
Dear ROH, More Osipova and McRae is required. Thanking you in advance. Love, Soup. #ROHConnectome
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) May 31, 2014
#rohconnectome The best new work by #royalballet in years! Stupendous combination of choreography design and music! Truly brilliant!
— Michael (@mvarcoe) May 31, 2014
#ROHconcert was hilarious! I wasn't sure that ballet could be funny - Robbins thought otherwise. Thank god!
— Crystal Ballet AD (@crystalballet) May 31, 2014
#ROHConcert was the most bonkers ballet I've ever seen and I loved every minute of it (especially the butterflies)!
— Margaret B (@MMB_1990) May 31, 2014
#ROHconcert Fab cast at RB, but IMO Robbins's comedy ballet hasn't aged well. V. naive, needs 1or 2 deaths (or to be replaced w/ Namouna) E
— The Ballet Bag (@theballetbag) May 31, 2014
Always love seeing #ROHconcert It's been far too long since we last saw it. Dancing great of course, and loved Robert Clark on the piano too
— Rachel Holland (@LowerSlipsGirl) June 1, 2014
I learnt that the seemingly recent trend of getting the dancers to use their voices is at least as old as #ROHConcert.
— Margaret B (@MMB_1990) May 31, 2014
What did you think of The Dream / Connectome / The Concert?
The Royal Ballet's triple programme of The Dream, Connectome and The Concert runs 31 May–13 June 2014. Tickets are still available.
Excellent cast and orchestra, superb lighting and simple but effective staging. That last scene with the nuns beheading… #ROHCarmelites
— Gavin Evans (@gavinevans) May 29, 2014
Star quality from understudy @luisgomestenor, stepping in halfway through #ROHcarmelites. Gorgeous sound, owned the stage.
— Warwick Thompson (@ThompsonWarwick) May 30, 2014
Hmm so I didn't find #ROHCarmelites as moving as DNO recording. Something missing in the orchestra for me... Too slow maybe?
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) May 29, 2014
Sometimes at the end of a show one craves that silence. No applause. No cheer. Merely the echo of what has passed #ROHcarmelites
— Anna Koukoullis (@koukoullis) May 29, 2014
An austere yet moving #ROHcarmelites @RoyalOperaHouse - Emma Bell was particularly outstanding
— Tara Persaud (@tarapersaud) May 29, 2014
Jumped out of my skin at the first guillotine in #ROHcarmelites Cutting singers off mid-phrase is devastating. Fabulous theatrical writing.
— James McKeon (@jagmckeon) May 29, 2014
Can we just talk about how carsen uses crowds, though. Utterly bewitching. #rohcarmelites
— Aksel Tollåli (@AkselToll) May 29, 2014
The cast is uniformly excellent - three cheers for the understudy who stepped in! #ROHcarmelites @RoyalOperaHouse @TheRoyalOpera
— Neil Wallington (@Drwallington) May 29, 2014
Completely gripped by #ROHcarmelites. Orchestra on top form, cast (mostly) excellent, striking production. Powerful stuff.
— Katy Wright (@KatyWright1) May 29, 2014
That was spellbinding. Beautiful music, yes: plus elegant, spare staging and such an enigmatic libretto. Staying power. #ROHcarmelites
— Adrian (@Adrian_Specs) May 29, 2014
All choked up after the incredible #ROHCarmelites. Incredible cast and awesome to see some familiar @StreetwiseOpera faces on stage too!
— Lucia Vernon-Long (@Luciavlong) May 29, 2014
Sublime and overwhelming. An extraordinary night at the opera. Thanks to Simon Rattle, amazing cast and production. #ROHcarmelites
— PhilipR (@philiprrose) May 29, 2014
What did you think of Dialogues des Carmélites?
Dialogues des Carmélites runs until 11 June 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production, originally from De Nederlandse Opera, Amsterdam, is given with generous philanthropic support from Mrs Aline Foriel-Destezet, The Taylor Family Foundation and The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
Brava @LondonBallerina! A performance of exuberance and elegance. #ROHSerenade
— Lee McLernon (@bangorballetboy) May 14, 2014
And I could watch #ROHSerenade all day, every day, on repeat... #Heaven #Balanchine #themaster
— Rosslyn (@auroratobe) May 14, 2014
It's not that I didn't like it, it just seemed, lacking. In something. #NeedsMoreOoomph #ROHSerenade,
— Lucy Clare (@rosealare) May 14, 2014
#ROHSerenade dreamy and airy with 2 floating principal ladies and beautiful soloists (looked a little like a shampoo advertising at the end)
— Pink Lady (@impressiondanse) May 14, 2014
Absolutely loved #ROHViolets on my first-ever viewing. Enjoyed #ROHSerenade more than I anticipated, and #ROHDGV somewhat less.
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) May 14, 2014
Morera quite sensational in #rohviolets!! Remembered how complicated the story was - must revise! :) Lovely! #rohmixedprog
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) May 14, 2014
Woah first time watching a @Liam_Scarlett piece.. Does not disappoint. Amazing use of music, delicious complexity. #rohviolets
— C J (@566Arguello) May 14, 2014
#Morera proved one again to be one of the finest (if not the finest) actress of the @TheRoyalBallet #rohviolets
— Sebastian (@Sebastian_G_A) May 14, 2014
Love, love, love #ROHdgv!! The music, the set and of course the dance, the work as a whole. A smile on my face on my way home. :-)
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) May 14, 2014
#rohdgv great show this evening but serious lack of charisma from 4 leading men - learn from the outstanding corps guys! @dav_donnelly
— Michael (@mvarcoe) May 14, 2014
YES!!!!!!!! #RohDGV @TheRoyalBallet you just gave me everything I want from a ballet!
— Alex B (@booshkla) May 14, 2014
Nice to see everyone having such fun in #rohdgv (though I'm not too keen on the music). Looking fwd to #rohmixedprog again soon!
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) May 14, 2014
Press reviews:
Guardian ★★★★
Telegraph ★★★★
The Arts Desk ★★★
The Independent ★★★
What did you think of Serenade/Sweet Violets/DGV?]]>
Had a great evening at @RoyalOperaHouse Tosca was brilliant. My first opera! #ROHtosca
— Lee Kozlowski (@Kazinierez) May 10, 2014
Delighted to hear outstanding Alagna again. Pleasantly surprised by Vratonga & Dyka. However missed Gheorghiu's glamour & passion #rohtosca
— Benvel - VA (@BenvelVA) May 10, 2014
#ROHTosca last night.Very traditional production, but missing some real passion. Great musical direction. Good prelude to my #operamarathon!
— Julien Hasler (@JulienHasler) May 11, 2014
Loved the performance from @roberto_alagna tonight at #ROHtosca
— Mathias Dahlström (@mdahlstrom) May 10, 2014
Yesterday a #ROHtosca with a good Cavaradossi (Alagna) and terrible Scarpia and a Tosca so and so...
— michele marziliano (@mmarzili) May 11, 2014
Conductor took Vissi d'arte at too much of a gallop for me. #ROHtosca
— Stuart Melling (@stu_melling) May 10, 2014
Dyka rushed her #vissidarte slightly to start, but soon relaxed into a tender and compelling rendition, harvesting warm applause #ROHtosca
— Charlotte Valori (@Operissima) May 10, 2014
Vratogna a marvellously wolfish, physically intimidating Scarpia, prowling the stage with meaningful menace. Bravo! #stoletheshow #ROHtosca
— Charlotte Valori (@Operissima) May 10, 2014
What did you think of Tosca?
Tosca runs from 10 May–26 June 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production is generously sponsored by RLM Finsbury.
#ROHtale has been made for special dancers and it shows. Great dance-drama perf from all. The Royal at its best!
— artifactsuite (@artifactsuite) April 28, 2014
Brilliant ballet! Score & choreography superb. Corps de ballet & Principals uniformly excellent. On-stage musicians & set amazing! #ROHTale
— S. Ossa-Richardson (@LilyPlum) April 28, 2014
#ROHTale 2nd act too 19th century for my taste. Could a pastoral scene, a girl and a disguised prince be more then a variation on Gisele?
— BalletBee (@BalletBee) April 28, 2014
#ROHTale left me speechless, the choreography is great!! Loved Federico Bonelli as Polixenes!!
— Caterina Pellegrini (@KateCatepell) April 28, 2014
I loved the whole performance of the Winter's Tale! It was magical. Everyone performed beautifully #ROHtale
— ~ Princess ~ (@Alessandra__x) April 28, 2014
Ok I had a little weep at the end of A Winter's Tale then like a big girl's blouse! #ROHtale Thanks @amccinemas_UK - we loved it!
— SandyLindsay (@SandyLindsay) April 28, 2014
Incredible and powerful performance tonight, loved every second! The dancers were just fantastic #ROHtale @_stevenmcrae @LondonBallerina
— Emily Ambler (@emzi_ambler) April 28, 2014
Very belated Mother's Day treat #ROHTale @Everymancinema Leeds.To paraphrase Sclub7 'There ain't no party like a Bohemia party'
— Nijinska (@LaNijinska) April 28, 2014
#ROHTale - Moving, incredible stuff - so impressed, in awe #firstballet#newfan Thank You @melillustration #thegate
— Davina Harbord (@DavinaDavine) April 28, 2014
Congratulations to @wheeldondance for #ROHTale!! Really emotional creation!! Ed Watson makes me cry!! Bravo also to Zenaida Yanowsky!!
— Elia Amato (@EliaAmato) April 28, 2014
#ROHtale Stevenage. Sarah Lamb & Edward Watson amazing. jealousy scenes awesome. Pity keep cutting off their feet tho
— Julie (@DawnCame2) April 28, 2014
Huge congratulations to the whole #ROHTale team, onstage and offstage. Special mention to the stellar orchestra and music score.
— Sofia Gkiousou (@sofiagk) April 28, 2014
What did you think of The Winter's Tale in cinemas?
The Royal Opera House Cinema Season relays our performances to over 1,100 cinemas in 29 countries around the world. The final live relay of 2013/14 will be The Royal Opera's Manon Lescaut on 24 June.]]>
Max Emanuel Cencic - Rokoko (Decca)
The spectacular rise of the countertenor over the last decade has seen several float to the top of the superstar recording stakes. Pre-eminent among them is ex-Vienna Boys Choir member Max Emanuel Cencic who, after a slew of releases on various labels, has now signed exclusively to Decca. His first release for them is Rokoko, an album of dramatic arias by the often overlooked composer Adolf Hasse. Cencic is a bold singer who takes risks but has the technique to pull them off. Hasse's arias span the full dramatic range, from plaintive lament to heroic coloratura, and Cencic is in spectacular voice and command throughout. It's muscular, virile singing, and the disc is hugely recommendable.
Iestyn Davies - Your Tuneful Voice: Handel Oratorio Arias (Vivat)
British countertenor Iestyn Davies also enjoys an extensive and acclaimed recording history. His latest release, Your Tuneful Voice, has him take on a range of arias from oratorios by Handel. Exquisitely accompanied by The King's Consort and with contributions from soprano Carolyn Sampson, this finds Davies at his most congenial. Far less the obvious showman than Cencic, Davies sings with a quiet and direct sincerity that communicates superbly both text and music. Virtuosity is there when required, always at the service of the musical line and weighted with dramatic intention. A very beautiful recital, well worth adding to your collection.
Krassimira Stoyanova - Verdi (Orfeo)
Soprano Krassimira Stoyanova has come late to the Verdi celebrations. Better late than never in this instance as I'd rate this as the best soprano Verdi recital to appear for some time. The repertory choices may seem a little safe, but they represent where Stoyanova's voice and temperament are most suited. She offers surprising bite in Aida's daunting 'Ritorna Vincitor' (she takes the role on for the first time in Munich next season), but is able to use her luminous voice to magnificent effect in arias from Il Trovatore, Don Carlo and Otello (among others). She has the style, a voice of immense beauty and flexibility, and a peerless technique. Simply titled Verdi, this is a disc of quality and integrity.
What recently released recordings would you recommend?]]>
@RoyalOperaHouse #ROHtale blew me away. Beautiful dancing. Stunning sets. Incredible score. Already want to watch it again!
— Caroline Spender (@CarolineSpender) April 11, 2014
Act 2 my favourite, so much fun and just the most gorgeous tree, definitely my favourite bit of set I've seen for some time! #ROHtale
— allie.duthie (@allie_duthie) April 10, 2014
Disappointed by #ROHTale promising Act I, Boring Act II and as for Act III? Meh! Not a work I would want to see again
— Mark S Jones (@StrictlyOsprey) April 10, 2014
I wondered how this complicated story cld be told by dance but turned out it was easier to understand without words. #ROHtale
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) April 10, 2014
#ROHtale Noone does tortured like Watson, Lamb sweet as Perdita, with lively act 2. BUT biggest applause was for act 2 scenery green tree
— R Macrae-Gibson (@RMGCat) April 10, 2014
#ROHtale amazing. In the play the Bohemia scenes are hard going but in the ballet they are pure joy. Congrats to all.
— Ann Fox (@anniefoxputney) April 10, 2014
#ROHTale Would have liked the encounter between Leontes & Polixenes had more to it, but story was strongly delivered & work is a keeper :)
— The Ballet Bag (@theballetbag) April 10, 2014
#ROHTale was magnificent: it's got to be Wheeldon's best work yet.
— Margaret B (@MMB_1990) April 10, 2014
Wheeldon's Corps choreography in Act II of #ROHtale is just brilliant - energetic, intricate, and beautiful.
— DaveTriesBallet (@DaveTriesBallet) April 10, 2014
Wow didn't expect such subdued yet absolutely sublime ending. Proves Shakespeare can be a ballet. Well done Wheeldon & co #rohtale
— Liam Tang (@Liam_Tang) April 10, 2014
The bear as depicted neatly got them out of a hole, but many at stalls level missed it. I'm told it worked really well higher up #ROHTale
— Chris (@ManInSeatD26) April 11, 2014
Standing ovation from the entire stalls, well deserved. #ROHtale is pure RB
— sandra (@bicoated) April 10, 2014
Press reviews:
Telegraph ★★★★★
Guardian ★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★★
Arts Desk ★★★★
What did you think of The Winter's Tale?
The Winter's Tale runs until 8 May 2014. A limited number of tickets are still available.
Generously supported by The Monument Trust. With additional philanthropic support from Mrs Susan A Olde OBE, Celia Blakey, Sarah and Lloyd Dorfman, Lady Ashcroft, Simon & Virginia Robertson, The Taylor Family Foundation, Mr and Mrs Edward Atkin CBE, the Metherell Family, Richard and Delia Baker, John and Susan Burns, Sir Roger and Lady Carr, Kenneth and Susan Green, D W Hancock, Randa Khoury, Doug and Ceri King, Gail and Gerald Ronson through The Gerald Ronson Foundation, Victoria Sharp, Lindsay and Sarah Tomlinson and The Winter's Tale Production Syndicate.]]>
Just in case anyone was in any doubt, that was one of the greatest performances I've ever had the privilege of attending #rohwinterreise
— Katherine Cooper (@ZwischenKath) April 6, 2014
A rather cerebral performance tonight when I was expecting something more intuitive, coloured, genuine! Slightly frustrated #ROHwinterreise
— melanie trombetta (@mjetrombetta) April 6, 2014
Beautiful performance from Kaufmann in #ROHWinterreise. Went through the whole range of emotions in the piece superbly. Amazing singer!
— James Flattery (@jflatter) April 6, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera #JonasKaufmann singing Schubert #ROHwinterreise glorious breathtakingly beautiful achingly sad.
— Catherine Gull (@catgull) April 6, 2014
All praise to @RoyalOperaHouse for the stage setting and organising the signing. It makes all the difference #ROHwinterreise
— Wisdom Hill (@Scarlet2046) April 6, 2014
searingly inward spiritual journey heroic yet restrained.held audience rapt until final long held silence @TenorKaufmann #ROHwinterreise
— John Johnston (@JohnVecchio) April 6, 2014
Praise be to the unsung hero of the night, Helmut Deutsch, whose glacial pace during the last quarter chilled every bone #ROHwinterreise
— Andres Rial (@AJRG620) April 6, 2014
Jonas Kaufmann's artistry never ceases to amaze me. Tonight was heart-&-head-wrenching. #rohwinterreise
— Shyam Bhatt (@_ShyamBhatt) April 6, 2014
I'm totally depressed. How am I going to face the new week? Need something cheerful to recover. #ROHwinterreise
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) April 6, 2014
Still mesmerised by last night's @TenorKaufmann & Helmut Deutsch performing #ROHWinterreise @RoyalOperaHouse Wonderful, wonderful!
— Ben Fleetwood Smyth (@bfleetwoodsmyth) April 7, 2014
If only JK could sing #rohwinterreise in my living room every night
— Sebastian (@Sebastian_G_A) April 6, 2014
Jonas Kaufmann sublime in #ROHwinterreise tonight; five curtain calls and a standing ovation. More recitals @RoyalOperaHouse please.
— Lisa Katsiaris (@louloufrascatti) April 6, 2014
What did you think of Jonas Kaufmann's Winterreise recital?
Jonas Kaufmann returns to the Royal Opera House this Season in Manon Lescaut. The production runs from 17 June - 7 July 2014. General booking opens on 8 April.
He will also perform in David McVicar's new production of Andrea Chénier during the 2014/15 Season. General booking opens on 21 October 2014.
#ROHlormindo @The_Globe is funny, warm, sexy, surprising and utterly delightful. What a great evening
— Tatty Hennessy (@TattyHennessy) March 25, 2014
Probably first time a Venetian mid-baroque opera has been seen in a Jacobean playhouse: who cares when result was so effective #ROHlormindo
— Andrew (@chaconato) March 25, 2014
#ROHlormindo is brilliant. Beg, borrow or mug a sensible soul who booked early to see @ed_lyon @rkellymezzo @ashleyriches et al @The_Globe
— Barnaby Rea (@BarnabyRea) March 25, 2014
There's nowhere to hide for some world class singers in extreme closeup in #ROHlormindo and, boy, do they measure up @The_Globe - amazing!
— Chris Martin (@kryz1000) March 26, 2014
First opera in the Playhouse tonight with #ROHlormindo LOrmindo and what a treat it is in the space. Wonderfully playful and enrapturing.
— Rosie Townshend (@rhtownshend) March 26, 2014
The Wanamaker Playhouse was beautifully intimate but not sure if exuberant baroque works can't survive in much larger spaces #ROHLOrmindo
— George (@OperaCreep) March 25, 2014
@The_Globe Simply beautiful! This Opera is very suited to the theatre making full use of its potential. #ROHlormindo
— Stuart Clark (@Pavthat) March 25, 2014
Opera by candlelight this evening- L'Ormindo at Wanamaker Playhouse. Beautiful and funny. @RoyalOperaHouse @The_Globe #ROHlormindo
— Tessa Fisher (@FisherTessa) March 26, 2014
Press reviews:
Guardian ★★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★★★
Independent ★★★★★
Telegraph ★★★★
Arts Desk ★★★★
What did you think of L'Ormindo?
L'Ormindo runs until 12 April 2014 at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare's Globe. Tickets are still available via the Globe's website.
The production is given with generous philanthropic support from Sir Simon and Lady Robertson.
#ROHbeauty always wanted to see Sleeping Beauty. Not disappointed. Just brilliant. Sarah Lamb fab as Aurora :-)
— helen emmett (@hellbell31) March 19, 2014
#ROHbeauty loved Elizabeth Harrod as Fairy 'Violente' as well as in the Pas de trois of the third act @TheRoyalBallet
— dansomanie (@dansomanie) March 19, 2014
SO in love with Sarah Lamb and @_stevenmcrae as a couple. Or just Steven McRae on his own... #ROHbeauty
— Georgina Wells (@Wells15G) March 19, 2014
Absolutely the best way to spend a Wednesday evening, I think I was 6 when I last went to the ballet #beautiful #ROHbeauty
— Cathryn Rogers (文音) (@CathrynJane_x) March 19, 2014
That was a fantastic performance from Sarah Lamb and Steven Mcrae as normal! Of course everyone else who danced :) #ROHbeauty
— KT (@kaatieTompkins) March 19, 2014
#ROHbeauty ... lilac #fairy u were my favourite! The music was soooo BEAUTIFUL :)))
— Tara von Spreckelsen (@Tara_Harmony) March 19, 2014
Broadcast technology obviously not up to the genius that is @_stevenmcrae He turned into a spinney blur at one point #ROHbeauty
— Rosie Cox (@RosieCox007) March 19, 2014
told my mates I'm watching Man U but enjoying this much more with Mrs McKinney #ROHbeauty in Paisley Showcase
— Stephen McKinney (@Glasgow0141) March 19, 2014
Everything to do with #ROHbeauty was flawless. The music, dancing, costumes, just everything was complete perfection.
— Jessica Williams (@JessieWills1005) March 19, 2014
What did you think of The Sleeping Beauty in cinemas?
The next live cinema relay will be The Winter's Tale on 28 April 2014. Find your nearest cinema and sign up to our newsletter.]]>
#ROHfrau was absolutely incredible; one of the most overwhelmingly and unexpectedly beautiful operatic performances I've seen. Thank you!
— Jeremy (@4winds7seas) March 15, 2014
Woken up with the glories of #ROHFrau still whizzing through my brain. Pankratova's 'Barak, ich hab' es nicht getan!' absolutely fearless.
— Entartete Musik (@entartetemusik) March 15, 2014
Thought I'd never hear Frau ohne Schatten as well conducted as my first time, under Dohnányi. Not sure Bychkov wasn't better still. #ROHfrau
— Mark Berry (@boulezian) March 15, 2014
I didn't understand the very very end of #ROHFrau last night AT ALL. Don't want to say more about it than that as it'd constitute a spoiler.
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) March 15, 2014
Wonderful evening. Still haunted by the deep, serious vein of sadness that runs throughout Strauss's score. @royaloperahouse #ROHFrau
— Richard Bratby (@RichardBratby) March 15, 2014
How have I got to this point in my life without knowing Die Frau ohne Schatten?! Utterly glorious. Singing/playing extraordinary #ROHFrau
— Tiffany (@SecondNorn) March 15, 2014
Strauss wins again (he always does in the end) #ROHfrau Spare, taut, loud. Vintage show? Hmmm. Voice friendly? Very. Get a ticket? YES
— Hamish Forsyth (@ForsythHamish) March 14, 2014
Flawless singing, magnificent orchestra bt stilted stage movement esp wt animal masks. As if for lack of dance talent in the haus #ROHfrau
— Mil Vukovic (@MilVukovic) March 15, 2014
I was blown away by #ROHFrau tonight. Fabulous orch playing & singing under maestro Bychkov's magic wand.
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) March 15, 2014
#ROHfrau hilariously overblown, good moments, but the staging is really below par, and doesn't begin to cover the weakness of the music.
— Capriccio music blog (@Capriccioblog) March 14, 2014
Johan Reuter in best role to date @TheRoyalOpera .Warmly & authoratively sung Barak #ROHFrau.
— John Johnston (@JohnVecchio) March 14, 2014
Suffice to say #ROHFrau was an utter triumph... Certainly the biggest ovation I've seen for a new production @RoyalOperaHouse in some time.
— Tom Oxenham (@tomoxenham) March 14, 2014
What did you think of Die Frau ohne Schatten?
Die Frau ohne Schatten runs until 2 April 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production is staged with generous philanthropic support from Sir Simon and Lady Robertson, Hamish and Sophie Forsyth, The Friends of Covent Garden and an anonymous donor.]]>
#ROHregiment: great night throughout. Delightful staging by Pelly, Florez in great shape, superb acting by Ciofi. Bonus: Kiri Te Kanawa.
— Pauline Sonmereyn (@PaulineSonm) March 3, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyable revival of #ROHregiment - a piece of froth but delivered with flair and joie de vivre.
— Jamie Henderson (@jsdhenderson) March 3, 2014
Florez on top form in a moving #ROHFille - Ciofi brings real humanity to her role, going for the heart strings more than laughs.
— Attila (@attilalondon) March 3, 2014
Ciofi was a bit poorly apparently, but if that was her on a "bad" night, christ, get yourself a ticket. #ROHregiment
— Edmund Danon (@EdDanon) March 3, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyable #rohRegiment. In the comic stakes Te Kanawa is no Dawn French tho & I feel her decision to sing was not the wisest
— Phillip Wood (@Phillip_Wood) March 4, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera Fantastic #ROHRegiment. Stunning High C's from Florez, and amazing singing from Ewa Podles over 2 octaves below him. Wow!
— James Edward Hughes (@JamesEdHughes) March 3, 2014
A fantastic revival of #ROHFille - top notch cast, stunning singing, plenty of comic turns & LOTS of LOL moments. Great cameo from Kiri too!
— Tom Oxenham (@tomoxenham) March 3, 2014
This Fille fizzes courtesy of JDF, La Ciofi and a hard-working revival director. One of life's guilty pleasures. #ROHfille
— Nick Macrae (@violanick) March 4, 2014
Amazing performance at #ROHfille tonight. JDF & KTK amazing as ever and Ciofi & Posles in top form. Great production
— sakipol (@sakipol) March 4, 2014
Donald Maxwell as Hortensius and Ewa Podles as La Marquise de Berkenfeld in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Ewa Podles as La Marquise de Berkenfeld and Pietro Spagnoli as Sulpice in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Juan Diego Flórez as Tonio and Pietro Spagnoli as Sulpice in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Donald Maxwell as Hortensius in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Ewa Podles as La Marquise de Berkenfeld and Kiri Te Kanawa as La Duchesse de Crackentorp in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Ewa Podles as La Marquise de Berkenfeld and Kiri Te Kanawa as La Duchesse de Crackentorp in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Kiri Te Kanawa as La Duchesse de Crackentorp and Juan Diego Flórez as Tonio in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Pietro Spagnoli as Sulpice in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Pietro Spagnoli as Sulpice in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Pietro Spagnoli as Sulpice in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Juan Diego Flórez as Tonio in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Juan Diego Flórez as Tonio in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Juan Diego Flórez as Tonio in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Juan Diego Flórez as Tonio in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Juan Diego Flórez as Tonio in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Patrizia Ciofi as Marie and Pietro Spagnoli as Sulpice in La Fille du régiment © ROH / Catherine Ashmore 2014
Press reviews:
Guardian ★★★★
Independent ★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★
What's On Stage ★★★
The Stage (Very positive)
What did you think of La Fille du régiment?
La Fille du régiment until 18 March. Tickets are still available.
The production is staged with generous support from Judith Portrait.
Superb acting and singing at #ROHdongiovanni tonight! Very interessting idea executed greatly! Loved it!
— Buga Marija Simic (@BugaMarijaSimic) February 12, 2014
Fabulous Zerlina and excellent Leoerelli in #ROHdongiovanni tonight. But not sure about that final sequence.
— Lise Smith (@Lisekit) February 12, 2014
#ROHdongiovanni was absolutely fantastic. Can't believe I haven't been to one before.
— Peter Brohan (@pbrohan) February 12, 2014
Hmmm. It *looks* fabulous. Finding it incredibly misogynistic, though, and not always musically together (at all). #ROHDonGiovanni
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) February 12, 2014
Very good production of #ROHdongiovanni - loved the set scrawled with names, like Leperello's notebook.
— Annette Rubery (@AnnetteRubery) February 12, 2014
#ROHdongiovanni what a lively production! Mozart would have loved it!! Baci from Parma
— mgc (@mgcapitani) February 12, 2014
Loving #ROHdongiovanni here in Bath. I'm no expert, but thought Donna Anna was superb and Don G truly despicable!
— DaveTriesBallet (@DaveTriesBallet) February 12, 2014
#ROHdongiovanni my son could give the don a few lessons about keeping more than one woman on the go!
— Emma McGlinchey (@LadyMcGlinchey) February 12, 2014
Liking #ROHdongiovanni, but sometimes the projections hurt my brain. They work best when stationary, lads.
— Laura F Farrell esq. (@lff12) February 12, 2014
@RoyalOperaHouse picture and/or sound is disrupted every 2-5 seconds. Literally impossible to enjoy the wonderful performance. So sad :(
— Eniko Hudak (@sherdnerdE) February 12, 2014
Brought @moragburn to see her first opera - methinks we have an #operaconvert #ROHdongiovanni
— Owain Gardner (@Odbe34) February 12, 2014
Phenomenal production as technically complex staging fused with stunning visuals. Beautifully translated to the screen #ROHdongiovanni
— Lizzie W (@lizziejfw) February 12, 2014
What did you think of Don Giovanni?
The Royal Opera House Cinema Season relays performances to over 1,100 cinemas in 29 countries around the world. The next live relay will be The Royal Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty on 19 March. Other productions in the 2013/14 Cinema Season include The Winter's Tale and Manon Lescaut.
Really enjoyed #ROHdongiovanni! Stunning cast and loved the set and the use of projections!!
— Sophie Waghorn (@waggers1245) February 1, 2014
LOVED #ROHDonGiovanni. Loved. @kasperholten nailed it. Great vision. :)
— Nicola Davies (@njd2245) February 1, 2014
I wish the staging were less distracting! An expensive gimmick!! Conducting really lifeless. I hates it! :( #ROHDonGiovanni
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) February 1, 2014
#ROHdongiovanni is amazing. Beautiful staging, design, lighting and costumes. Loving the #Chimerica influences. @AlmeidaTheatre
— Lady Hz (@LadyHz) February 1, 2014
To the few misanthropes who decided before even turning up they would boo tonight's fantastic production of #ROHdongiovanni, shame on you!
— Andrew Chinery (@andrewchinery) February 1, 2014
Charmless, dramatically inert production of #ROHDonGiovanni with over reliance on projectionam makes me miss the dreadful Zambello version.
— Attila (@attilalondon) February 1, 2014
@TheRoyalOpera #rohdongiovanni was so much fun!! The type of opera I love to see.
— Wisdom Hill (@Scarlet2046) February 1, 2014
I loved Luisotti's Verdi but his Mozart sounds a bit like someone trying to drive a Bentley through a narrow alleyway #ROHDonGiovanni
— Operatraveller (@Operatraveller) February 1, 2014
Clever use of the rotating set and light projections. Engaging production. Kudos! #ROHdongiovanni
— Kalyàn Ram (@atkalyan) February 1, 2014
Leporello was totally twerking in the Act 1 party scene! #ROHdongiovanni
— Tanuj Kumar (@tanujkumars) February 1, 2014
Best singing in years at tonight's #ROHDonGiovanni. Extremely brilliant production, never distracting, mixing well w music. Three thumbs up.
— hippoes (@hippoes) February 1, 2014
Press reviews:
Telegraph ★★★★
Independent ★★★★
What's On Stage ★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★★
Times ★★★
Guardian ★★★
The Stage (Positive)
What did you think of Don Giovanni?
Don Giovanni runs until 24 February 2014. A small number of tickets are still available. The production will be broadcast live around the world on 12 February. Find your nearest cinema.]]>
Fabulous #rohgiselle stage full of strong vengeful women. Corps de ballet. Wonderful and scary
— Poetry Divas (@PoetryDivas) January 27, 2014
Blown away by Giselle cinecast! Absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking #rohgiselle
— Rebecca Geller (@tbex) January 27, 2014
Amazing Soloists at #ROHGiselle but disappointed with the corps de ballet
— Dance Challenge™ (@Dance_Challenge) January 27, 2014
#ROHgiselle I am in floods of tears and clapping so hard. Don't care I am in the cinema! Wonderful! Just wonderful.
— Kaye Sedgwick (@kaye_sedgwick) January 27, 2014
Thank you very much indeed for a lovely evening. I stand amazed here in Karlstad, Sweden. #ROHgiselle
— Eel In (@MuddyNostril) January 27, 2014
#rohgiselle - clearly there is no gravity at ROH - Osipova absolutely amazing - tears in Tunbridge Wells
— Louise Sinclair (@LouiseLynes) January 27, 2014
#rohgiselle Osipova epitomises the method acting of the ballet - she IS Giselle! Exquisite performance x
— Elizabeth (@kerl_e) January 27, 2014
In tears watching #rohgiselle. Beautiful, heartbroken performance by Natalie Osipova.
— Georgina Carter (@glcarter) January 27, 2014
If you go down to the woods tonight you're sure of a big surprise/If you go down to the wood tonight you'd better go in disguise #ROHGiselle
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) January 27, 2014
The athleticism is stunning, but Osipova didn't move me as Nunez (or for that matter @LondonBallerina or Marquez) did. #ROHGiselle
— Michael Potter (@MichaelPotter) January 27, 2014
So much expressed in every movement from Natalia Osipova in #ROHgiselle. Whole performance breathtaking.
— Sue Sheard (@trakkabase) January 27, 2014
Trying to estimate how many times I've seen Giselle without *ever* noticing that the wilis have wings... #ROHgiselle
— Mette (@mettewb) January 27, 2014
What did you think of Giselle?
A Giselle digital guide is available to buy containing specially selected films, articles and exclusives to bring you closer to the production.
The next relay as part of the ROH Cinema Season will see The Royal Opera's Don Giovanni screened live around the world on 12 February 2014. Find your nearest cinema.]]>
2013 has been an extraordinary year for the Royal Opera House.
I can't believe almost twelve months have passed since the revival of The Minotaur. Sir John Tomlinson's ferocious performance in this powerful and visceral production stayed with me all year. It is a contemporary masterpiece. The Royal Ballet's Mayerling was another highlight of the early months of 2013. Created by one of the great British choreographers, it is a work of genius, beautifully portrayed in one of Johan Kobborg and Alina Cojocaru's final performances with us.
Of course, one of my personal highlights has to be getting the job here. The Royal Opera House has been a big part of my life for many years, from my first awestruck visit aged eleven, via student years in the cheap seats, to decades of admiration from the outside. It was a huge honour to be asked in March to join this much-loved, world-class organization.
I spent six months getting to know all aspects of the Royal Opera House's work, with a night at the opera or ballet with each member of the Executive team in all parts of the Linbury and main auditorium. I was hugely inspired by the breadth of work on stage – from enduring classics to cutting-edge work – all of the highest quality, presented to passionate and committed audiences.
The start of the 2013/14 Season, and my time here, was very special. Lise Lindstrom kicked off an extraordinary winter of revivals with her terrifying Turandot. There was a glorious symmetry as I last saw this production in its first run, starring Plácido Domingo, when it had just returned from LA in 1984.
We marked both Wagner and Verdi's bicentenaries over the year, with the most successful and popular Deloitte Ignite to date, followed later in the season by The Royal Opera's epic Les Vêpres siciliennes and Parsifal. I was blown away by these two exceptional new productions, magisterially interpreted by Tony Pappano and the outstanding Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
The revival of Romeo and Juliet was a particular highlight for The Royal Ballet, thanks to Lauren Cuthbertson's return to the stage after a long injury and Natalia Osipova's breathtaking debut. I was also very pleased to be at the opening of the Mason Healthcare Suite a few months later – our state-of-the art healthcare facility dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of the dancers.
Later, I was delighted to join one of the suite's supporters, Angela Bernstein, as she was awarded the Prince of Wales Medal for Arts Philanthropy for her huge contribution to the arts. So much of our work, including our extensive Learning and Participation programme, relies on our donors and it is wonderful when their passion and commitment is celebrated publicly.
The festive season is a very special time at the Royal Opera House. Along with the thousands of children and families enjoying a ballet for the first time at the Paul Hamlyn Christmas Treat, I had my own 'first' – seeing my very first Nutcracker, which I enjoyed immensely.
It has been a great year and a wonderful four months in post. Thank you for all your support. There's a huge amount to look forward to in 2014. Have a very happy New Year.]]>
It's hard to sum up a whole year in a few words. Not only were there both successes and disappointments, but for those of us lucky enough to work at the Royal Opera House, there was also all the work backstage to put the productions together. In a way, this is the biggest highlight of all: being allowed to work at the Royal Opera House means working with talented and passionate colleagues, and constantly meeting a flux of some of the world's leading artists coming to work with us.
That said, I've picked out a few of my highlights of 2013:
Les Vêpres siciliennes
Introducing Norwegian director Stefan Herheim to UK audiences was something I was hugely looking forward to, and with him and Antonio Pappano getting on like a house on fire for Les Vêpres siciliennes, it was every bit as exciting as I'd hoped for. I was also the very first ever live presenter for a Royal Opera live cinema relay when Vêpres went out to audiences around the world – a wonderful way of sharing our work with tens of thousands around the world.
Directing Eugene Onegin
Directing Eugene Onegin was very special. Getting to work with all the people on the stage, in the chorus and orchestra, I felt like I had finally really arrived at the ROH. Although many audiences and critics did not like the production, I was also lucky to get a large number of very positive and passionate responses. Dividing opinion is not necessarily bad, when we talk about artistic work. I enjoy engaging and discussing with our audiences, both when I agree and when I don't.
Written on Skin
Maybe the highlight of the whole 2012–13 Season for me was the overwhelming success of the UK premiere of George Benjamin and Martin Crimp's Written on Skin, which we co-commissioned. I have a passion for new music and it is always fascinating to watch a new work come to the stage, but it is rare for it to immediately capture the imagination of an audience in the way Written on Skin did.
Intense moments
During the autumn Wozzeck, Parsifal, Le nozze di Figaro and Elektra made for some very intense moments – and full houses! Simon Keenlyside's troubled Wozzeck and Mark Elder's impressive reading of Berg's score were wonderful, while Christine Goerke, Adrianne Pieczonka and Andris Nelsons's performances in Elektra are still ringing in my ears. Andris, Mark and Tony Pappano drew incredible performances from the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, who seems to be on better form than ever before, and the Royal Opera Chorus made us all so proud in Parsifal.
Outreach work making a difference
Some of the things that make ROH very special do not necessarily get noticed by the general public. The Learning and Participation team at ROH are fantastic, and although some of their projects make a very visible impact, they do great work 'under the radar' too. Following the work of the Youth Opera Company, and seeing older people from community centres and housing schemes coming to ROH for the first time to sing together were just two examples of how it feels like ROH can make a difference.
Taking on the Linbury
During 2013, The Royal Opera took over the programming of all opera work in the Linbury Studio Theatre, which feels like a natural and important thing for us to do. It was wonderful to have as potent a piece as Gerald Barry's Importance of Being Earnest in Ramin Gray's strong production to start off the new era.
Other notable mentions
Some other highlights deserve a mention: the incredible singing in La donna del lago, Richard Jones's brilliant insights in Gloriana and Gerald Finley's deeply moving Amfortas in Parsifal.
Here's hoping that 2014 will offer many more highlights. The first new production of the new year will be my own take on Mozart's Don Giovanni, and I can't wait to get my hands dirty once again!
What were your Royal Opera highlights of 2013?]]>
It's been quite a year for The Royal Ballet – here are just a few of my highlights:
New work
Six new creations were staged, two carrying on The Royal Ballet tradition of narrative works: Wayne McGregor's evocative and poetic Raven Girl and Liam Scarlett's dark and compelling Hansel and Gretel. Christopher Wheeldon took us to a beautiful other world in Aeternum and Alexei Ratmansky worked with the company in the more abstract but romantic 24 Preludes. We celebrated Britten's centenary with Kim Brandstrup's intimate and intriguing Ceremony of Innocence at the Aldeburgh Festival and in November we welcomed British-born David Dawson, who created the atmospheric The Human Seasons. In addition we added an exhilarating new full-length work to the repertory with Carlos Acosta's exuberant Don Quixote, already an audience favourite.
Heritage works
Heritage works also played a major part as we celebrated Frederick Ashton in February – it was particularly wonderful to see Monotones after so long – and in March Kenneth MacMillan's masterly Mayerling was given powerhouse performances by no fewer than five terrific casts.
Orchestral delights
We enjoyed the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House playing newly commissioned scores by Gabriel Yarad and Greg Haines, and storming through the centenary celebratory performances of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring under Barry Wordsworth's baton.
Awards and international audiences
A clutch of awards were won celebrating the success of productions, choreography and dancers, and the Company got seriously mobile with performances in Rio de Janeiro, Snape, Derry, Monte Carlo and Tokyo. The Company's performances of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker were seen in 300 cinemas in the UK and over 1,000 cinemas in 29 countries worldwide.
Chance to Dance
It was a delight to see the youngsters of Chance to Dance tackling the complexities of Kenneth MacMillan's The Rite of Spring with gusto and great aplomb, as well as the professionalism and charm of The Royal Ballet School White Lodgers in helping to bring Peter Wright's Nutcracker to life. The future certainly looks bright.
Joiners and leavers
Our world-class roster of Principals led the Company in sparkling style and although we said goodbye to some of our well-known and familiar dancers we also welcomed some new ones who will surely be part of the Royal Ballet family for years to come.
Finally, great performances are the pinnacle of the combined efforts of a great many people. Not just through the extraordinary artistry and dedication of the dancers on stage but also through the efforts of the entire artistic and administrative staff and the behind-the-scenes technicians in every department of the Opera House. That, for me, is an unseen highlight which can't go unmentioned.
What were your Royal Ballet highlights of 2013?]]>
@RoyalOperaHouse @TheRoyalBallet #ROHJewels Fantastic performance last night-exhilarating Rubies, sublime Diamonds, thank you!
— Sue Sloan (@sue_sloan) December 18, 2013
Day from hell on trains yesterday, nearly six hours of travel just to get to London and back, but #ROHJewels was worth it.
— Rosie Cox (@RosieCox007) December 18, 2013
Emeralds needs Diamonds and Rubies to work, couldn't see it on its own. Laura Morera was fab though! #ROHJewels
— Juliet Ashdown (@JulietAshdown) December 17, 2013
#ROHjewels was a great night out. Highly recommended. Nunez and Soares were breathtaking in Diamonds.
— Lucy Alker (@ihaveantlers) December 17, 2013
What a sparkling evening with #ROHjewels !! Emeralds where beautiful, but Rubies & Diamonds are the best :) Nela & @_TSOARES - what a duet!
— Irma F (@TheSavyel) December 18, 2013
A mixed bad #ROHJewels: emeralds didn't come off, rubies had an accident but saved by McRae and Marianela sparkled in diamonds...
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) December 17, 2013
#rohjewels Emeralds fell flat, Rubies picked up sparkles and Diamonds were gorgeous!
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) December 17, 2013
Nuñez and Soares stunning together in #ROHJewels
— Mark Ronan (@mark1ronan) December 17, 2013
Marianela Nunez and @_TSOARES just transformed a horrible day into a sparklingly beautiful one. The power of ballet, people. #ROHJewels
— Jane Lawes (@jane_lawes) December 17, 2013
What did you think of The Royal Ballet's Jewels?
Jewels runs until 7 January 2014. Tickets are still available.
The production is staged with the generous support of the Friends of Covent Garden
Emotional night at ROH (well, it was #ROHcarmen, so what do you expect?). Excellent cast, first a time Micaela moves me.
— Pauline Sonmereyn (@PaulineSonm) December 16, 2013
#ROHCarmen music swayed between lullaby slow and positively marchy but lacking in arabesque. .
— Hariclea Darclee (@Hariclea) December 16, 2013
Still on an opera high after #ROHCarmen last night - such an epic opera. Thought act 4 was best by far, completely visceral and thrilling.
— Mimi Doulton (@MimiDoulton) December 17, 2013
Georgian mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili is giving this performance seven bells. Must be one of the most demanding in the canon #Carmen
— Lise Smith (@Lisekit) December 16, 2013
I'm surrounded by Spaniards on my row and someone's written pro-English Gibraltar jokes into #ROHcarmen. #Awkward #IntervalMusings
— Nicholas Small (@HappyWanderer79) December 16, 2013
Just seen Carmen at the royal opera house. Was amazing.
— Frank (@Frank_Dilandro) December 16, 2013
i wish the orchestra, soloists and chorus would rebel against the slowness of Daniel Oren's baton... #sleeping #ROHCarmen
— mattia cabitza (@mattinlondon) December 16, 2013
Opening night for Carmen at the Royal Opera act1/4 my favourite! #Fantastico #BravoToTheWonderfulCast
— Amith Rahman (@AmithRahman) December 16, 2013
What did you think of Carmen?
Carmen runs from 16 December 2013-9 January 2014. Advance tickets are sold out, but a limited number of day tickets will be available from 10am at the Box Office on the day of performance.
The production is staged with the generous philanthropic support of Dr and Mrs Michael West, Yvonne and Bjarne Rieber and the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.]]>
Loved Act II especially the dance of the sugar plum fairy, always sends shivers down my back as soon as I hear the music #ROHnutcracker
— Lucy (@LVHA21) December 12, 2013
Best nutcracker performance I've ever seen! Loved it through and through #ROHnutcracker #london
— Aisha (@Kandrewz) December 12, 2013
#ROHnutcracker does anyone else feel sorry for the mice? Herr D. killed 1/2 their population - they only turn his nephew into a nutcracker??
— Sandy (@Nw3guy) December 12, 2013
Moved to tears by Morera and @federicouk in Grand PdD. Such perfect technique, synchronicity and musicality. Just beautiful! #ROHnutcracker
— DaveTriesBallet (@DaveTriesBallet) December 12, 2013
Clara: impossibly beautiful, elegant and graceful. Superb performance. #ROHnutcracker
— Simon Cope (@simonjcope) December 12, 2013
Very beautiful ballet, stunned by the amount of glitter the sugarplum fairy had on her hair. #ROHnutcracker
— Griff Griff (@sophaayyapril) December 12, 2013
Wow - those Sugarplums sure can dance!! #ROHnutcracker
— Jo Henderson (@joceejo) December 12, 2013
#ROHnutcracker beautiful performance. Great to join the ballet from #Vlaardingen. Xmas can start.
— Remco Broekmans (@RemcoBroekmans) December 12, 2013
Getting my pointe shoes back out after a magical performance of The Nutcracker! #Inspiring #ROHnutcracker
— CAP Dance & Fitness (@CAPDanceFitness) December 12, 2013
Gorgeous sugarplum fairy solo and all around wonderful act 2! #ROHnutcracker
— Denise Terpstra (@DeniseTerpstra) December 12, 2013
Amazing Nutcracker performance in the London Royal Opera House from Madrid!! Awsome! #ROHnutcracker
— Raquel Marín (@RachelMVaquero) December 12, 2013
@RoyalOperaHouse beautiful, magical, spectacular. My first ballet, I'm in love #ROHnutcracker
— Tina (@someonesMartina) December 12, 2013
What did you think of The Nutcracker in cinemas?
Our next live cinema relay will be The Royal Opera's Parsifal on 18 December. Find your nearest cinema and sign up for our cinema newsletter.
The production is staged with generous philanthropic support from Lady Jarvis and The Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.
The Royal Opera House Cinema Season is supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Have to say that #ROHnutcracker does have the best tree EVER. @TheRoyalBallet #nevergrowtiredofit #christmasiscoming
— Bloomsbury Flowers (@londonflorists) December 4, 2013
Delightful #ROHNutcracker adage from @federicouk & Laura Morera this evening - elegant, measured with beautiful lines.
— Lee McLernon (@bangorballetboy) December 4, 2013
Orchestra sounding very scrappy tonight #ROHNutcracker
— Karen McLernon (@BBB_Mrs) December 4, 2013
My first time seeing @frankie1hayward as Clara... she has a really lovely stage presence. #ROHNutcracker
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) December 4, 2013
#ROHnutcracker was amazing yesterday. The sets were beautiful, gorgeous dancers and so many sparkles!! #ilovesparkles
— Courtney Ward (@MsCourtneyWard) December 5, 2013
I swear @balletboy09 works a cape better than Batman. #ROHNutcracker
— Jenny (@mb20nut) December 4, 2013
Last night's opening night of #ROHnutcracker was STUNNING! Gorgeous set & costumes! Highlight was the Sugar Plum Pas De Deux, gorgeous!
— Rhianne Evans (@RhianneEvs) December 5, 2013
Wrapping up @RoyalOperaHouse season with wonderful #ROHNutcracker. Stunning performance from Hayward/Campbell (particularly with Russians!)
— Lara Gregorians (@LaraGregorians) December 5, 2013
Press reviews:
Evening Standard ★★★★
The Independent ★★★★
The Arts Desk ★★★★
What did you think of The Nutcracker?
The Nutcracker runs until 16 January 2014. Tickets are sold out though returns may become available, with a limited number of day tickets available on the day of each performance.
The production will be relayed live to cinemas around the world on 12 December. Find your nearest cinema and sign up for our cinema newsletter.
The production is staged with generous philanthropic support from Lady Jarvis and The Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.]]>
Loved #rohparsifal !!
Superstars for me were Denoke and Pape, Finley sublime and White a magnificent Klingsor!! What a treat!
— Anne Salter (@Anne_WithAn_E) December 1, 2013
After Pape & O'Neill's staggering performances tonight, it should be renamed
"When Gurnemanz met Parsifal". A thousand bravi! #ROHParsifal
Cameron Burns (@cameronburns82) November 30, 2013
Thoughtful, but unclear (to me) production, some sublime musical moments, fine singing by Pape
and Denoke. Underwhelming #ROHParsifal
— Sebastian (@Sebastian_G_A) November 30, 2013
Austere thoughful production by Stephen Langridge with no directorial impositions.Numinous yet
humane & compassionate #ROHParsifal
— John Johnston (@JohnVecchio) November 30, 2013
From the sublime to the ouch and the hmm, let's ponder that a while. But Pappano. Pape
& Finley were sensational. #ROHParsifal
— Mark Valencia (@MarkValencia)
November 30, 2013
The person who told me I'd have to see #Parsifal to really 'get' the Wagner thing was absolutely right. Wow!!! New level of appreciation
— Kirstin Sharpin (@orpheus_chick) November 30, 2013
@TheRoyalOpera @RoyalOperaHouse loved the singing, still musing over whether the child sacrifice symbolism was a bit too avant garde
— Trisha Greenhalgh (@trishgreenhalgh) December 1, 2013
Loved #ROHParsifal - can't recall ever being so drawn into a performance of the piece... Much to chew over.
— Mark (@RestrictedView) November 30, 2013
Ok, someone needs to stop with the whole grey postwar-like productions. And cubes. #ROHparsifal
— lindauruchurtu (@lindauruchurtu) November 30, 2013
@RoyalOperaHouse Saw #ROHParsifal last night and it was stunning (though Act 1 was a bit slow) The orchestra & Rene Pape were outstanding!
— Derek Skipworth (@deggsy22) December 1, 2013
Press reviews:
Financial Times ★★★★★
The Guardian ★★★★
Evening Standard ★★★★
The Telegraph ★★★★
The Independent ★★★
Arts Desk ★★
What did you think of Parsifal?
Parsifal runs from 30 November to 18 December 2013. Limited tickets are still available. It will be screened live in cinemas on 18 December. Find out full details of a screening near you.
Parsifal is staged with generous philanthropic support from The Metherell Family, Roland & Sophie Rudd, Dr and Mrs Michael West, Marina Hobson MBE, Ian and Helen Andrews, Peter and Fiona Espenhahn, Annie Frankel, Malcolm Herring, Dr L Mikheev and N Mikheev, Lindsay and Sarah Tomlinson, The Wagner Circle and The Parsifal Production Syndicate and generously supported in memory of Simon Tullah.]]>
Fave things in yesterday's #rohtriple: seeing @LondonBallerina back & in fab form + gorgeous Yumiko costumes for the ladies in #rohhuman ...
— The Ballet Bag (@theballetbag) November 10, 2013
Loved #ROHtriple tonight! V. Impressed by Mcrae. Little disappointed with Chroma (the one I was most looking forward too!) But overall FAB!
— Raedene Cheri (@RaedeneC) November 10, 2013
Now scanning the cast sheet for the 'All sets in tonight's triple bill have been sponsored by IKEA' note #ROHTriple
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) November 9, 2013
Really enjoyed #ROHtriple tonight, excellent combination of pieces and outstanding cast, looking forward to seeing it again on Wednesday!
— allie.duthie (@allie_duthie) November 10, 2013
Your comments about Chroma...
First time seeing #ROHchroma tonight - completely blown away! #ROHtriple
— Lauren Whitehead (@LaurenWhitehead) November 9, 2013
I simply can't stand the way the women are manhandled and manipulated, pushed and pulled like props by the men. #rohChroma
— Milly Melon (@millymelon) November 9, 2013
Loved, loved, LOVED #ROHChroma tonight!
— Lee McLernon (@bangorballetboy) November 9, 2013
Your comments about The Human Seasons...
Really enjoyed Dawson work - didn't see human season stuff described in programme, but a visually v exciting work & gr8 music too #rohtriple
— Laura Dodge (@DodgeDance) November 9, 2013
DDawson's new Human Seasons @TheRoyalBallet = chasing beauty. Sensed cycle of time, seasons etc but net effect kinda opaque.
— Donald Hutera (@DonaldHutera) November 10, 2013
Loved lyrical and moving #ROHseasons. PdD for Nella and @federicouk beautiful. Great sets too. Can't wait to see it twice more :) #ROHtriple
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) November 9, 2013
Your comments about The Rite of Spring...
Regardless how many times I've seen it, #TheRiteofSpring still creeps me out - ending the #ROHTriple on a high note!
— edwin (@dwintan) November 9, 2013
I never get bored of Macmillan #ROHrite. Love the outlandish alien look and movement. Great to see it again :D #ROHtriple
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) November 9, 2013
Best #rohtriple ever. #ROHRite was best. I love Stravinksy's ROS on its own merit, but to finally see it danced - wow! @TheRoyalBallet
— Kate McAuley (@Its_KateMcAuley) November 9, 2013
Press reviews:
The Evening Standard ★★★★
The Telegraph ★★★
The Arts Desk ★★★
What did you think of The Royal Ballet's Mixed Programme?
The Chroma/Human Seasons/Rite of Spring Mixed Programme runs until 23 November. Tickets are sold out though returns may become available]]>
#ROHvepres Pappano's conducting is inspiring and energetic... Well done...!
— Lola Vicente (@gtltornt) November 4, 2013
#ROHVêpres ended really well. Lianna really warmed up to a nice climax. Hymel hero of the evening.
— Attila (@attilalondon) November 4, 2013
I think @erwinschrott should demand a sparkly ballgown & tiara for all of his roles!! Bravo! #ROHvepres
— Polly McCowen (@wadpol) November 4, 2013
Goose bumps and watery eyes so fabulous #Verdi #LesVêpresSiciliennes #ROH #Opera #Ballet #Love @RoyalOperaHouse
— Kerri Tanya (@KerriTanya) November 4, 2013
#ROHvepres A production worthy to celebrate 200 hundres years of Verdi Congratulations - From London O 2 centre
— Suhail Khan (@4sakhan) November 4, 2013
Awesome imagery in first aria of Act 3 - Montfort grabbing at tiny skull-masked Henri. Michael Volle superb! Stirring stuff... #ROHvepres
— Tess Ellison (@tess_ellison) November 4, 2013
#ROHvepres End of Act III executions. One way to slim down cast list for final third. Loving the skulls at Watford Palace.
— Alastair Kelly (@alastairkelly) November 4, 2013
#rohvepres from Beverwijk NL it was a wonderfull performance! Deeply touched.
— Cindy van der Lijn (@CindyvanderLijn) November 4, 2013
#ROHvepres Madrid Palafox Impressive 3rd act. Great Monfort: Tender father and cruel Governor. Good son Henry, and no words for the chorus
— Paco Escudero (@fpescudero) November 4, 2013
#ROHvepres Lianna Haroutounian knocked it out of the park tonight. Brava!
— SEBASTIAN PETIT (@CURZONPRODUCT) November 4, 2013
The only thing that could top tonight's HD screening of #ROHvepres would be to see it again live on Monday at ROH #ohthegreed
— Annette (@buglet2) November 4, 2013
What did you think of Les Vêpres siciliennes live in cinemas?
The next live ROH Cinema relay will be The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker on 12 December. Find your nearest cinema
If you live in Londonengland and don't have a ticket for #ROHWozzeck why not? One of the most harrowing & gripping shows I've seen at ROH
— Operatraveller (@Operatraveller) October 31, 2013
Whilst #ROHWozzeck is certainly not an 'easy' piece to listen to, Elder held masterful control & some moments were certainly very beautiful.
— Tom Oxenham (@tomoxenham) November 1, 2013
Quite something to hear one great Wozzeck in a year but to have two, fascinatingly complementary peformances from ENO and ROH! #ROHWozzeck
— Mark Berry (@boulezian) November 1, 2013
Haunting is #ROHWozzeck. How appropriate to see it at Halloween!!
— Wisdom Hill (@Scarlet2046) October 31, 2013
Back from #ROHWozzeck. Somewhat devastated. Keenlyside and Matilla superb. Elder produced power and clarity from excellent ROH orchestra
— Phillip Wood (@Phillip_Wood) October 31, 2013
Wozzeck at ROH - not as good as ENO's, but worth it for some amazing David Blaine-style escapology in the drowning scene...
— Tom Coult (@tomcoult) October 31, 2013
Mad doctor, ghostly musicians, zombie partygoers, bloodied water tank: tonight's Halloween couldn't have been darker. #ROHWozzeck
— Mari Griffith (@marigriff) October 31, 2013
Berg's #wozzeck @RoyalOperaHouse Elder. If I could only have attended one opera performance this yr THIS would be it. Utterly magical.
— Richard Ford (@_richard_ford) October 31, 2013
Had forgotten how shattering and devastating that production of #ROHwozzeck is! Need a lie down now...
— Alexander Mills (@alexjosephmills) October 31, 2013
A bit traumatised by Wozzeck's death this evening. Props to Simon Keenlyside. And Sir Mark Elder. #ROHWozzeck
— Tim Foxon (@timfoxon) October 31, 2013
My dreams last night involved a LOT of blood. Really quite disturbing. I blame Wozzeck! @RoyalOperaHouse @wjsm
— Eleanor Ross (@eleanorruthross) November 1, 2013
In shock after #ROHWozzeck. One of the very very best shows I've seen at ROH in 3 years. Immense conducting, orchestra, production and cast.
— Jaime Irurzun (@jirurzung) October 31, 2013
Press reviews
Metro ★★★★★
The Guardian ★★★★
The Independent ★★★★
What's on Stage ★★★★
The Arts Desk ★★★★
Telegraph ★★★
What did you think of The Royal Opera's Wozzeck?
Wozzeck runs until 15 November. Tickets are still available]]>
Tonight I cried not only for sad ending but also glorious @LondonBallerina's comeback on stage! #ROHRomeo
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) October 19, 2013
Huge shout out for *everyone* in #ROHmeo I adore the interactions between each character, main or townsperson, they make it all believable
— Carol Newton (@ROHvCotswolds) October 19, 2013
1 of many notable perfs in #ROHmeo was Valeri Hristov's meaty Paris in contrast to many former exponents resigned to playing a plank of wood
— Graham Watts (@GWDanceWriter) October 19, 2013
Totally blown away by tonight's #ROHmeo!!! Congratulations to all the dancers, and Lauren & Federico are the perfect partnership!!!
— Caterina Pellegrini (@KateCatepell) October 20, 2013
Oh god, that was Traumatic. What a way to go - fighting until the end. You died most nobly, @balletboy09. #TeamTybalt #Woe Damn That #ROHmeo
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) October 19, 2013
So good to see @LondonBallerina back on the ROH stage! Great comeback! And @federicouk always manages to make my heart melt! #ROHmeo
— Fryni Panayidou (@frynip) October 19, 2013
Ferocious #ROHmeo! It doesn't get better than watching @balletboy09 & Ric sword fighting. Pity they both end up dead. #Twyla
— Karen McLernon (@BBB_Mrs) October 19, 2013
#ROHmeo was amazing! @balletboy09 and @LondonBallerina were both absolutely incredible. So intense.
— ROHUniOfLeeds (@ROHUniOfLeeds) October 19, 2013
What did you think of Romeo and Juliet?
The Royal Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet runs until 7 December 2013. Advance tickets are sold out, though a limited number of day tickets will be available on the morning of the performance. Returns may also become available.
The production is generously supported by The Paul Ferguson Memorial Fund and staged with generous philanthropic support from Peter Lloyd and the Artists' Circle.]]>
#Herheim succeeded in breathing both subtle & surprising new life into #Verdi for me last night #ROHvepres @RoyalOperaHouse
— Alexander Mills (@alexjosephmills) October 18, 2013
Still buzzing from last night's #ROHVepres - such a life-enhancing experience
— Karen Richardson (@Hertsandminds) October 18, 2013
#ROHVêpres shining bright lights at the audience for finale was a real cop out and smacked of desperation. As for Schrott in a gown....
— Michael Llewellyn (@michael456789) October 17, 2013
Very pleased that Bryan Hymel got to sing 'La brise souffle au loin'. I really thought it would be cut. #ROHVêpres
— Mark Pullinger (@Mark_Pullinger_) October 17, 2013
It's French. It's Verdi. It's Herheim's beautiful production. And Pappano conducting. It's GRAND! #ROHVepres
— Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) October 17, 2013
Michael Volle took vocal honours for me - with some highlights from Hymel and plenty of volume from Schrott #ROHvêpres
— Ed Beveridge (@dredbeveridge) October 17, 2013
What a thought-provoking intelligent production about the nature of theatre - compellingly at one with the music #ROHVepres
— Simon Toyne (@sgtoyne) October 17, 2013
Loved #ROHVêpres, in the main.Very glad to be going again in a week,by which time I might have figured out what the heck the ending's about.
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) October 17, 2013
Wowed by the new production of #ROHVepres, lots of surprises, ear and eye candies. It has to be seen: at your local cinema or ROH
— Wisdom Hill (@Scarlet2046) October 17, 2013
Whatever else I may think about #ROHVepres, it certainly doesn't stint on the eyeworms. The last 2 acts go to some very strange places.
— Mark Valencia (@MarkValencia) October 18, 2013
#ROHVepres: act three finale: UNBELIEVABLE WALL OF SOUND! #teamProcida (and everyone else here at @royaloperahouse) loved it!
— Will That Be All? (@_WTBA) October 17, 2013
Had a really nice evening at #ROHVepres, singing was top and actually like the staging, smart use of volumes!
— Sebastian (@Sebastian_G_A) October 17, 2013
What did you think of Les Vêpres siciliennes?
Les Vêpres siciliennes runs from 17 October – 11 November 2013. The production will also be screened live in cinemas around the world on 4 November and is staged with the generous philanthropic support of Mrs Susan A. Olde OBE, Mrs Aline Foriel-Destezet, Mr and Mrs Baha Bassatne and The Maestro's Circle.]]>
As part of our monthly series of recommended recordings from the Royal Opera House Shop, this month we take a look at releases from three great artists.
Jonas Kaufmann – The Verdi Album (Sony)
Jonas Kaufmann astonished with his all-Wagner recital earlier in the year. He follows it now with his Verdi Album, his first release on Sony. Some of the repertoire is not an easy fit – don't expect to see Kaufmann tackle the too-lyric Riccardo in Un ballo in maschera any time soon – but when the role is right, Kaufmann is unbeatable. The thirteen selections here cover both familiar and less well known Verdi arias, and it is evident that the tenor has thought each through from both a dramatic and a musical standpoint. This is visceral and virile singing, never more so than in his two selections from Otello: a role debut we can only hope is not far distant. Listen to Jonas Kaufmann's Verdi Album on Spotify.
Plácido Domingo – Verdi (Sony)
In an ironic nod to a natural succession, Sony have released Placido Domingo's new all-Verdi album at the same time as the Kaufmann disc. The great tenor is now singing the baritone repertoire, and this disc is a rich sampler of his stage roles of this voice type plus others he may never attempt. His voice is no longer able to sustain long lines and sometimes colours can't quite manifest; but - and it's a big but - this is quintessential Verdi singing from a master of his art. The deficiencies of age pale, and what remains is a blazing celebration of Verdi singing that breathes with an innate understanding of style and identification. A great recording all told, and not one I expected to deliver quite so eloquently. Listen to Plàcido Domingo's Verdi on Spotify.
Susan Chilcott – The Shining River (Opus Arte)
The late – and great – soprano left little recorded legacy on her sadly early death in 2003. Poised on the brink of a great career, Chilcott had recorded the first 25 tracks (all Copland songs) of this Opus Arte release, they were to mark her last recordings. They are reissued here, and enhanced by a further six tracks taken from a recital at her 'home' house, La Monnaie in Brussels, covering Strauss, Berlioz, Argento, Vaughan Williams, Britten and one last number by Copland. Throughout she is a both instinctive and commanding artist, beautifully supported by Iain Burnside as her accompanist. A very special release and a disc of rare skill and charm. Listen to Susan Chilcott's The Shining River on Spotify.
What recently released recordings would you recommend?
The Royal Opera House Shop stocks a full range of recordings as well as DVDs and other merchandise.]]>
Feeling inspired after watching Acosta's fresh and colorful take on Don Quixote. Marianela is an absolute pleasure to watch. #ROHdonQ
— Naomi Tadevossian (@ntadevossian) October 16, 2013
#ROHdonQ Best seats in the house for only a few quid - and a short walk home! Best production ever - so much energy and technique
— David Shipp (@David_A_Shipp) October 16, 2013
And Ryo's cape swishing was the best I've ever seen. Seriously. *fans self* ... *cough* Pity you can #NeverTrustACapeSwisher #ROHDonQ
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) October 16, 2013
I don't know what someone gave to the #ROHDonQ conductor tonight, but it works.... Please do it again! #lovingnelaandcarlos
— Sebastian (@Sebastian_G_A) October 16, 2013
Just finished watching Don Quixote. What fabulous choreography! Truly beautiful. #ROHdonQ
— Ashley Lynn (@ashash_baby) October 16, 2013
#ROHdonQ, Loved the Fandango and the gypsies dance Act2. Elizabeth Harrod was enchanting. From Milton Keynes.
— Rima Scott (@MKGazelle) October 16, 2013
Really appreciating the added value of the cinema production, behind the scenes etc of #ROHdonQ #Woking
— Mark (@Theboatbuilder) October 16, 2013
An amazing performance from everyone! Especially Marianela, she is just wonderful and full of energy. Love it all #ROHdonQ
— ~ Barbie ~ (@Alessandra__x) October 16, 2013
Must say I do rather enjoy clapping in the cinema! #ROHdonQ
— Rhian Jeffery (@rhianooo) October 16, 2013
#ROHdonQ #marianelanunez is the best dancer in the world...tonight Don Quixote is amazing...no words!!! From Salerno Italy!!
— Federica's Closet (@Fede_mott) October 16, 2013
@RoyalOperaHouse #ROHdonQ ...The gypsy encampment was so lively and captivating, the choreo, costumes set superb! Bravo!!!
— ~*Style*&*Grace*~ (@JustineGillham) October 16, 2013
Outstanding casting & choreo! Pas de deux from Marianela and Carlos is the best I've ever seen. Their talent leaves me speechless #ROHdonQ
— «Party Rocker» (@_keannaa) October 16, 2013
What did you think of Don Quixote in cinemas?
The next live relay of the 2013/14 Royal Opera House Cinema Season will be The Royal Opera's new production of Les Vepres siciliennes, which will be screened around the world on 4 November 2013. Find your nearest cinema.
The Royal Opera House Cinema Season is supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.]]>
Just saw the Wasp Factory. Profoundly unsettling, deeply weird, and I'm not sure if I liked it, so I think it was a brilliant adaptation.
— Another Angry Woman (@stavvers) October 2, 2013
The Wasp Factory @RoyalOperaHouse was one of the most extraordinary and exciting performances that I have ever seen. Thoroughly recommended.
— Matthew Rees (@reesmf) October 2, 2013
Wasp Factory the predictable box-ticking exercise. Also about 1 hr too long
— inter mezzo (@inter_mezzo) October 2, 2013
Did the opera version of The Wasp Factory @RoyalOperaHouse *really* omit the crucial plot twist at the heart of the novel, or did I miss it?
— Rory Foster (@Rory_Foster) October 2, 2013
The Wasp Factory was easily the best piece of theatre I've seen. I've walked out feeling equally disturbed and turned on. I need a whisky.
— Alasdair (@AlasdairGH) October 2, 2013
Just saw #waspfactory @RoyalOperaHouse with @jackmaninoff . Loved the amazing set. Great spectacle. Must read the book now!
— Eleanor Banks (@eleanorbanks) October 2, 2013
Press reviews
What did you think of The Wasp Factory?
The Wasp Factory runs until 8 October. A limited number of tickets are still available.
The production is staged with support from Capital Cultural Fund Berlin and Nordic Culture Point.
The roar for Goerke tonight was, I think, the biggest I've ever heard in Covent Garden. What a performance! #ROHElektra
— Thomas Kohut (@ThomasKohut) September 23, 2013
Definitely going to have to go to #ROHElektra again. Hopefully I'll have a free night on one of the other shows. *crosses everything*
— Ted Black (@TedLBlack) September 23, 2013
Rather floored by #ROHElektra; phenomenal cast, orchestra spot on; a consummate evening of theatre. Also, everyone loves a happy ending.
— John E. de Wald (@JEDeWald) September 23, 2013
Still sitting on the floor unable to undress or move. Tweeting is a task too far. Literally FLOORED. HUMBLED. #ROHElektra
— Lucy Schaufer (@lucyschaufer) September 23, 2013
After a stuttering start my autumn season finally got going tonight w #ROHElektra. Strauss's greatest opera for my money, & superbly done. — Mark Valencia (@MarkValencia) September 23, 2013
#ROHelektra: the keywords are blood, madness, plotting, incest, murder, revenge. A must-see for anyone who thinks opera is for softies.
— Pauline Sonmereyn (@PaulineSonm) September 23, 2013
I don't think anyone conducts Strauss as well as Nelsons. The orchestra was a real sound world in #ROHElektra - adding meaning to the words.
— Attila (@attilalondon) September 23, 2013
Favourite line from tonight's libretto - 'My hair used to make men tremble' #ROHElektra — David Prosser (@David_Prosser) September 23, 2013
#ROHElektra = brilliant performances, terrible staging. 30% of the audience lost Elektra while she sang from her desk/hole. #fail
— Kate McAuley (@Its_KateMcAuley) September 23, 2013
Absolutely exhilarated after #ROHElektra
— Caroline Foulkes (@carolinefoulkes) September 23, 2013
1st night of #rohelektra a total knockout. Goerke sensational, Nelsons created a fantastic performance. Lots of superlatives & all justified
— Phillip Wood (@Phillip_Wood) September 23, 2013
#ROHElektra scores major hat trick with Goerke, Pieczonka & Schuster - wow! #dreamteam #crazierthanthou
— The Ballet Bag (@theballetbag) September 23, 2013
The Royal Opera's Elektra runs until 12 October. Tickets are still available.]]>
Cecilia Bartoli - Norma (Decca)
As summer broke, Cecilia Bartoli's much heralded recording of Bellini's Norma hit the shelves. If, like me, you raised an eyebrow at the prospect of Bartoli taking on this most iconic of bel canto roles, you'll understand why I waited a while to write about it.
You may also, like me, be forced to eat your proverbial hat. This is a fascinating and valid recording. Vincenzo Bellini's Norma must have seemed revelatory in 1831, and it does so again here under Giovanni Antonini's taut and driven performance, free from the lushly Romantic sound we are used to in this opera. It crackles from the off, properly underlining the central conflicts that make Norma such as exceptional opera.
Is Bartoli the Norma we've all been waiting for? In some respects, yes. The vocal grandeur of a Callas or Sutherland is not hers to command, but she matches the former's intensity and sings with much of the latter's tonal beauty. But hers is a far more intimately scaled portrait, and within the context of this recording Bartoli challenges and redefines our expectations. The other role casting helps maintain the lighter vocal balance: Sumi Jo is credibly girlish as Adalgisa against Bartoli's more primal priestess. John Osborn is a lyric tenor with dramatic leanings, and his Pollione too is a perfect fit, as is Michele Pertusi's Oroveso.
This is a Norma Bellini would recognise. It may not topple the already legion and legendary recordings we have, but it is a vital bookend to any bel canto collection and demands to be heard.
Anna Netrebko - Verdi (Deutsche Grammophon)
Signalling a new career path, Anna Netrebko's new all-Verdi CD is a thing of inconsistent beauty. There is clearly repertoire here that she is ripe to sing: the Trovatore exerpts, for example, are stupendously good: the line sustained, colours found, trills executed, drama communicated. Her Lady Macbeth (a role debut as the Lady is already in her diary) is grandly sung with all the right spirit if wayward attack, and her Don Carlo Elisabetta a marvellous creation even in embryonic form. Other passages fare less well – the Vêpres Bolero kept too much in the chest and robbed of brio, the breath too short at times. But put the niggles aside: this is where Anna Netrebko is going, and on the balance, we are in for some very thrilling nights at the opera.
The Royal Opera including Maria Callas - Cherubini's Medea (ICA Classics)
ICA needs an award given to them: they've mined a treasure of vintage ballet footage from the BBC archives, and released, on CD, the Callas Violetta and Tebaldi Tosca, both recorded live at the ROH.
And now comes Callas' Medea, broadcast on 30 June 1959. To all intents and purposes Callas's stage career was virtually over – a handful of performances remained over the next five years, and a string of ill-advised concerts after that. Listening to this Medea makes the loss almost more incredible: Callas is in spectacular voice, biting through the drama, shaping line after line as only a master of their art can, and it is only in a live context that we can fully appreciate the size and thrust of her voice. She shares the stage with her favourite Giasone, Jon Vickers and no less than a young Fiorenza Cossotto as Neris and Nicola Zaccaria as Creonte. Nicola Rescigno is an efficient conductor. The performance is of its time – the orchestra is not entirely at home in this idiom, the chorus sounds willing rather than skilled, and the sound is decent, no more. You will want this above all for Callas and Vickers, whose duet is worth the price of the disc alone.
What recently released recordings would you recommend?
The Royal Opera House Shop stocks a full range of recordings as well as DVDs and other merchandise.]]>
There may be aliens out there with vastly superior technology and unimaginable knowledge. They haven't got Le nozze di Figaro #rohfigaro
— Neil Fisher (@nfmusic) September 16, 2013
McVicar's own direction for this revival certainly have revitalised the production... Some subtle changes to Act IV worked well. #ROHfigaro — Tom Oxenham (@tomoxenham) September 16, 2013
@lucapisaroni was brilliant tonight on his ROH debut. Great cast, wonderful production and good fun! #ROHfigaro — Ferry Lichtenberg (@flichtenberg) September 17, 2013
Great cast in #ROHFigaro feels freshly minted in this vivacious revival. But Bengtsson hits the sweet spot with her mini drama Dove Sono!
— Attila (@attilalondon) September 17, 2013
Lucy Crowe and Maria Bengstson's duet in the second act was beyond divine. Spiffing #ROHFigaro all around
— sandra heidecker (@sandraheidecker) September 16, 2013
#ROHFigaro put smile on my grumpy face on Monday evening! :D — Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) September 16, 2013
@knittingtastic Still prefer ballet, but #ROHFigaro was very amusing, and I loved the staging.
— Lucy Clare (@rosealare) September 16, 2013
Amazing production of #ROHfigaro Feel so privileged to be here on opening night!
— sakipol (@sakipol) September 16, 2013
ROH Figaro as good as you'll ever see. Eliot Gardiner was doing great things with the orchestra. Overture was like it was written yesterday.
— Peter Stobart (@PeterStobart) September 16, 2013
What did you think of Le nozze di Figaro?
Le nozze di Figaro runs from 16 September 2013 – 15 May 2014. Tickets are still available.
Great start to the 13/14 season at tonight's #ROHTurandot - @liselindstrom has some serious lungs on her & will blow you away! Awesome work.
— Tom Oxenham (@tomoxenham) September 9, 2013
Against all the odds I really enjoyed #ROHturandot!!! Loved how alienated and deliberately Hollywoodish it was. Review tomorrow. — Capriccio music blog (@Capriccioblog) September 9, 2013
#ROHTurandot revival producer had no sense of what this production is about. Terribly lit, no dry ice, sloppy choreography, little tension. — Attila (@attilalondon) September 9, 2013
Act 2 was in a different league. Stunning @RoyalOperaHouse debut from @liselindstrom especially when riding the ensemble #ROHTurandot — Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) September 9, 2013
Gorgeous music and spectacle for #ROHTurandot though think it's fair to call it a problem piece: all that conquering patriarchy @NabeelahJ — sameerrahim (@sameerahim) September 9, 2013
So yes #ROHTurandot was definitely ladies' night. Outstanding Turandot & Liù — Operatraveller (@Operatraveller) September 9, 2013
Turandot is really a silly story but #ROHTurandot is a gorgeous production & music is great. — Yosh M (@yoshkosh10) September 9, 2013
The Liu in Turandot tonight #ROHTurandot Eri Nakamura is a real star in the making. She was first class. — mike elrick (@elrick1) September 9, 2013
Eri Nakamura and @liselindstrom were completely stiunning tonight in Turandot @RoyalOperaHouse Thrilling performances! @IntermusicaLtd
— Stephen Hough (@houghhough) September 9, 2013
What did you think of Turandot?
The Royal Opera's production of Turandot runs until 28 September 2013 and 17 February–10 March 2014, with the production relayed live into cinemas around the world on 17 September.
The production is staged with generous philanthropic support from the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.
There's nothing like a Russian corps in Diamonds. It is indeed their birthright. Balanchine's gorgeous patterns in all their glory. #Bolshoi
— Laura Cappelle (@bellafigural) August 12, 2013
I'm in the minority again but did think that when Smirnova relaxed after the first part of diamonds she did sparkle #Bolshoi #Jewels
— Chris (@ManInSeatD26) August 12, 2013
#Bolshoi #Jewels After her transcendent performance in Diamonds, I'm beginning to wonder how Olga Smirnova can possibly be real.
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) August 12, 2013
@RoyalOperaHouse #Bolshoi Diamonds are not without a reason crown #Jewels :) most touching moment - Smirnova inviting Filin on the stage.
— Irma F (@TheSavyel) August 12, 2013
Not convinced by my first Balanchine Jewels. Got impression Diamonds was the best-danced, but Rubies appealed to me as a piece much more.
— Ruth Elleson (@RuthElleson) August 12, 2013
@RoyalOperaHouse Smirnova is totally mesmerising in #Bolshoi Diamonds. She seems to create the choreography before your eyes. Amazing. — Attila (@attilalondon) August 12, 2013
Overall #bolshoi Jewels lacked enough sparkly razzle dazzle for my liking. On the plus side, starting to see a little why the Smirnova fuss
— Nellie (@knit2pointe2) August 12, 2013
#bolshoi hits the home turf with diamonds! Smirnova and Chudin simply amazing - perfectly magical PdD! Nice to see Filin too :)
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) August 12, 2013
I always forget how much I enjoy the Emeralds part of Jewels. I think it's a sign of growing up #bolshoi #jewels
— Nellie (@knit2pointe2) August 12, 2013
What did you think of The Bolshoi's Jewels?
The Bolshoi perform Jewels, Swan Lake and The Flames of Paris at Covent Garden until 17 August 2013.
The Royal Ballet will perform Jewels from 17 December 2013 - 7 January 2014.
Dreamingly beautiful opening night performance of #SleepingBeauty at the London @RoyalOperaHouse by #Bolshoi — Abby Buchanan (@OneStilettoBlog) August 5, 2013
That's a huge set, sumptuous bit not garish. Not sure if back of amphi could see to back stage #Bolshoi #SleepingBeauty — Chris (@ManInSeatD26) August 5, 2013
Bolshoi Sleeping Beauty a great improvement on their Swan Lake at ROH. — Attila (@attilalondon) August 5, 2013
#Bolshoi #SleepingBeauty Krysanova glowed as Aurora. She was technically faultless but not at all flashy. — Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) August 5, 2013
Well, that was unashamedly traditional, sequinned, pastelly #bolshoi #sleepingbeauty glory! @RoyalOperaHouse — Issy VB (@issyvb) August 5, 2013
#bolshoi SB only passable tonight. What little soul was left in it by grigorovich was snuffed out by conductor. Ovcharenko stole the show. — Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) August 5, 2013
Unbelievable jumps by Ovcharenko tonite in #Bolshoi #SleepingBeauty @RoyalOperaHouse — LondonKaltcha (@londonkaltcha) August 5, 2013
The #Bolshoi really aren't keen on risk taking, are they? Move along people, no Tamara-esque balances to see here #SleepingBeauty
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) August 5, 2013
Incredible leaping Prince Ovcharenko outshone his Sleeping Beauty but a much improved performance on lasts week #Bolshoi @RoyalOperaHouse — Rachel Atkinson (@knittingtastic) August 5, 2013
Did you see the Bolshoi perform La Bayadère? Add your comments below.
The Bolshoi Ballet perform Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Jewels and The Flames of Paris until 17 August. Performances are sold out except for returns and there are no day tickets for Bolshoi productions.]]>
Incredibly powerful ending. Loved it. Am a complete zakarhova fan. She's chilling as odile. But love her arms #bolshoi
— McVic (@Vix_McVic) July 29, 2013
#Bolshoi My main gripe with Grigorovich's Swan Lake is that there is just *too* much dancing. Still, it looks sumptuous.
— Leena Hassan (@leenahassan) July 29, 2013
Jury is out on the #Bolshoi and a rather lack lustre performance. Lots of misses, a fall and general malaise. Corps as always were superb
— Rachel Atkinson (@knittingtastic) July 29, 2013
#Bolshoi Swan Lake @RoyalOperaHouse this evening: very beautiful, very, very precise. Those swans can count. — Sarah Rigby (@Sarah_E_Rigby) July 29, 2013
Zakharova gave a truly spectacular performance. Lentratov also made best use of extended Rothbart's role. #bolshoi
— Fedja Hadrovich (@Hadrovich) July 29, 2013
I suspect I'm in the minority here, but this is the least exciting Swan Lake I've ever seen #Bolshoi
— Vampire Soup (@VampireSoup) July 29, 2013
#Bolshoi was interesting. The scenery wasn't what I expected. And @balletboy09 was not Von Rothbart, which made me sad.
— Lucy Clare (@rosealare) July 29, 2013
Generally high quality dancing on stage 2nite: Zakharova a fragile Odette w w exquisite arms. Lantratov a super Sorcerer. #bolshoi
— anna merrick (@annakardar) July 29, 2013
Vinogradova didn't get 2show her delightful jump but was beautiful as Russian bride,captured the intricate work perfectly #Bolshoi #SwanLake
— Chris (@ManInSeatD26) July 29, 2013
Saw the Bolshoi's Prima Ballerina Svetlana Zakharova in Swan Lake. Breathtaking, unforgettable & passionate @royaloperahouse #Bolshoi #art — Sophia Matveeva (@SophiaMatveeva) July 29, 2013
Wish the Bolshoi had opened in London with ANYTHING other than Grig's vandalised Swan Lake. Some fine dancing treats to be seen though
— Judith Mackrell (@judithmackrell) July 30, 2013
1st #Bolshoi Swan Lake last night - Zakharova's arms worth watching alone but missed the emotional intensity we are so spoilt by with the RB
— Liana Gregorians (@lianagregorians) July 30, 2013
Have you seen the Bolshoi perform? What makes the company's style so unique?
The Bolshoi Ballet perform Swan Lake, La Bayadère, The Sleeping Beauty, Jewels and The Flames of Paris until 17 August. Tickets are still available for some productions but there are no day tickets for Bolshoi performances.]]>
Thank you for having #anthonyandthejohnsons it perhaps was the best performance I've ever experienced. #totesamaz
— Tom Sykes (@tomcatsykes) July 26, 2013
Powerful, ethereal and simply stunning #Swanlights Antony and the Johnsons @RoyalOperaHouse with incredible @BrittenSinfonia
— Rachel Atkinson (@knittingtastic) July 25, 2013
Antony and the Johsons (plus full Orchestra) singing Beyonce's 'Crazy in Love' = BEYOND FABULOUS #swanlights @RoyalOperaHouse
— Flora Fyles (@FloraFyles) July 25, 2013
Quite liked Antony and the Johnsons' #Swanlights at @RoyalOperaHouse tonight, have some reservations but overall I thought it worked
— S F Palermo (@Larsenico) July 25, 2013
Thank you Antony Hegarty and @BrittenSinfonia for an absolutely mesmerising night. #Swanlights
— Jen Brister (@JenBrister) July 25, 2013
Transported out of the stratosphere and back by the exquisitely ethereal voice of Antony and the Johnsons #swanlights
— Paul Smith (@Smithyshere) July 25, 2013
Absolutely mesmerised by Antony & @BrittenSinfonia tonight @RoyalOperaHouse. Break my heart! Stunning. #Swanlights
— Kat Lister (@Madame_George) July 25, 2013
Well. #Swanlights at the @RoyalOperaHouse with Antony Hegarty & @BrittenSinfonia was mind-blowing... I could live inside his voice.
— Marianne Taylor (@mnoo) July 25, 2013
Love, Love, LOVE Antony's #Swanlights. One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.
— Jen Brister (@JenBrister) July 25, 2013
What did you think of Swanlights?
Swanlights will be staged on 26 July. A small number of tickets are available via phone on +44(0)20 7304 4000]]>
What was your favourite production or moment of the 2012/13 Season?
The 2013/14 Season opens in September. Find out about Opera and Music or Ballet and Dance performances. Booking is now open for Autumn productions.]]>
What did you think of Capriccio in concert?
Capriccio in concert runs until 21 July. Tickets are sold out though returns may become available.
The performance is staged with the generous philanthropic support of the Metherell family.
The 2013/14 Season sees the 150th anniversary of Richard Strauss's birth celebrated with productions of Ariande auf Naxos and Die Frau ohne Schatten.]]>
What did you think of the experience of seeing Tosca on BP Big Screens?
This year Mayerling and La rondine were also screened live as part of BP Big Screens. Tosca was the final BP Big Screen of 2013 - thanks to all those that attended.
The production is generously sponsored by Xstrata and generously supported by Roland and Sophie Rudd and the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.
Tosca will return to the Main Stage in 2014.]]>
La rondine runs from 5 – 21 July. Tickets are on sale now. The production is sponsored by Coutts. Generous philanthropic support was given by Mr and Mrs Christopher W.T. Johnston and The American Friends of Covent Garden.]]>
Simon Boccanegra runs from 27 June – 16 July. Tickets are still available.
The production is staged with generous philanthropic support from Mrs Susan A Olde OBE, Afiya and Timur Kuanyshev and the Verdi Syndicate.
Tickets for our 2013/14 Cinema Season are now on sale. The Season opens on 17 September with a live relay of The Royal Opera's Turandot.
The Royal Opera House Cinema Season is sponsored by the Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Gloriana runs from 20 June to 6 July. Tickets are available now.
It will also be screened live in cinemas on 24 June, marking the close of the ROH live Cinema Season 2012/13. It will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 at 6.45pm on 29 June.
This production has been made possible thanks to the generous philanthropic support of the Britten-Pears Foundation, the Boltini Trust and Lindsay and Sarah Tomlinson.]]>
Aleksandra Kurzak - Bel Raggio (Decca)
Aleksandra Kurzak is no stranger to The Royal Opera, where her Rossini roles have included Rosina, Mathilde di Shabran and Fiorilla. Her new disc for Decca is a celebration of Rossinian high-wire acrobatics: opening with Semiramide's famous bel canto show-stopper 'Bel raggio lusinghier', Kurzak dazzles throughout in a recital designed to show off her spectacular abilities. Kurzak's voice is growing richer and she is clearly moving on towards a more dramatic repertoire: catch her in Rossini-mode while you can.
Piotr Beczala - Heart's Delight: The songs of Richard Tauber (Deutsche Grammophon)
In the mood for a little summery schmaltz? Polish tenor Piotr Beczala has just released his homage to Richard Tauber, and it is irresistible. Beczala clearly idolises Tauber and he sings his great predecessors music with such flair and élan it's impossible not to be swept away by it. Anna Netrebko makes a welcome appearance for the duet 'Lippen Schweigen' and Beczala even goes as far to duet with the great Tauber himself. It's all good fun, and impeccably sung with real integrity. Enjoy without guilt!
Ailyn Pérez, Lawrence Brownlee and Anthony Michaels - Moore The Rosenblatt Recitals (Opus Arte)
Opus Arte has just launched a new venture with the Rosenblatt Recitals, and the first three discs of the collaboration are now available to savour: soprano Ailyn Pérez must take the winning stakes in a ravishing recital of song and opera, but Lawrence Brownlee impresses hugely throughout his recital of lieder, American song and spirituals. Anthony Michaels-Moore too, so long a favourite on the Royal Opera House stage, is in on superlative form with songs by Stanford and Vaughan Williams. These three discs bring three artists to the recording front that are sadly under-represented thus far, and are hugely welcome.
What recently released recordings would you recommend?]]>
What did you think of The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest runs in the Linbury Studio Theatre from 14 – 22 June.Tickets are still available.
The production is generously supported by The John S Cohen Foundation.
The Raven Girl/Symphony in C Mixed Programme runs until 8 June. Tickets are still available.
Production of Raven Girl is made possible by generous philanthropic support from The Taylor Family Foundation, Mr and Mrs Brian Capstick, David Hancock, Linda and Philip Harley, an anonymous donor and The New Ballet Works Syndicate.]]>
What did you think of La donna del lago?
La donna del lago runs until 11 June. Tickets at Covent Garden are no longer available though the performance on 27 May will be relayed live into cinemas around the world.
The production is sponsored by the Peter Moores Foundation and the Friends of Covent Garden with generous philanthropic support from Celia Blakey, Hélène and Jean Peters, Judith Portrait and Susan and John Singer. The Production Director generously supported by Hamish and Sophie Forsyth.]]>
What did you think of Hansel and Gretel?
Hansel and Gretel runs until 11 May. Tickets are sold out though returns may become available. The ballet returns in January 2014 as part of the 2013/14 Season.]]>
Storified by Royal Opera House· Sun, May 05 2013 02:30:49
What did you think of Don Carlo?
Don Carlo runs until 25 May. Tickets are still available.
The production is generously sponsored by RLM Finsbury with generous philanthropic support from Mrs Susan A Olde OBE, Mr Pierre Lagrange and Mr Roubi l'Roubi, Sir Simon and Lady Robertson, Spindrift Al Swaidi, David Hancock, Mrs Philip Kan, Marina Kulishova, Mrs Trevor Swete, Mrs Mercedes T Bass, the Maestro's Circle, the Verdi Syndicate and the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.
As part of our monthly series of recommended recordings from the Royal Opera House Shop, this month we take a look at releases from Antonio Pappano, Julia Lezhneva and Simon Rattle:
Antonio Pappano - Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle (EMI)
Antonio Pappano's ongoing series of recordings with his Roman forces at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia has given us a double disc of Rossini's late piece Petite Messe Solenelle. Pappano is a masterful Rossinian – the playing is crisp, fierce where needs be, mellow the next moment. The four soloists are perfectly weighted, and the chorus work exemplary. This is a thrilling recording, one to set next to Pappano's previously released Verdi Requiem. My only reservation is that the live takes have resulted in a bit too much reverberation for my taste, but don't let that put you off for a second – this is a major release.
Julia Lezhneva - Alleluia (Decca)
Julia Lezhneva is Russian, but polished her craft under Dennis O'Neill in Cardiff. Her first recording on Decca has just appeared, an exploration of eighteenth century motets by Vivaldi, Handel and Mozart, including one previously unrecorded by Nicola Porpora. This is premium quality singing: Lezhneva's tone is equal throughout, completely technically in control of some fiercely difficult writing, but most importantly she sings without any artifice – her communicative ability shines through every number, and puts this release straight to the top of my list of 'must have' discs this month.
Simon Rattle/Berliner Philarmoniker - The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du printemps) (EMI)
In its centenary year, recordings past and present of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring have been tumbling off the production line. The latest comes from EMI, with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle, and if you can't decide which Rite is for you, this might be your safest bet. Boasting sumptuously clear and expansive sound, the Berlin Philharmonic plays with astonishing control and detail. It may all be a bit coolly considered for music this shockingly innovative, but it is a mightily impressive reading. Symphonies of Wind Instruments and Apollon musagète fill the CD to a generous 75 minutes.
Read our recommended recordings for March
What recently released recordings would you recommend?]]>
What did you think of Mayerling?
Mayerling runs until 15 June 2013. Tickets are still available. The production is staged with generous philanthropic support from Celia Blakey, Lady Ashcroft, John and Susan Burns and Gail and Gerald Ronson through the Gerald Ronson Foundation.]]>
Storified by Royal Opera House· Thu, Apr 18 2013 02:13:34
The Magic Flute runs until 9 May. Performances are sold out though returns may be available. Day tickets will be released on the morning of each performance.]]>
What did you think of La Bayadère?
La Bayadère runs until 22 May. Tickets are still available.]]>
What did you think of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in cinemas?
The Royal Ballet's Frederick Ashton Mixed Bill will be screened in July.]]>
Storified by Royal Opera House· Mon, Mar 18 2013 03:54:48
What did you think of The Metamorphosis?]]>
What did you think of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland?
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is sold out at the Royal Opera House (though returns may become available and day tickets will be available). The ballet will be screened live to cinemas around the world on 28 March 2013.]]>
What did you think of Written on Skin?
Written on Skin runs until 22 March. Tickets are still available.]]>
Storified by Royal Opera House· Fri, Jan 18 2013 02:56:18
What did you think of The Minotaur?]]>
Storified by Royal Opera House · Mon, Nov 05 2012 03:40:30
What did you think of the Royal Ballet Mixed Bill?]]>
Storified by Royal Opera House · Wed, Oct 24 2012 02:55:31
The Royal Opera House Cinema Season, in association with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, continues in November with the opera Les Troyens before a live relay of The Nutcracker on 13 December.
Storified by Royal Opera House · Mon, Oct 01 2012 03:38:50