New production yes. What's to like? It's three dimensional with top notch projection to make scenery changes interesting yet unobtrusive. Barihunk Mariusz Kwiecień (which translates to Matthew April) was a fabulous Don. The rest of the cast was good too. What's not to like? I think Kasper Holten's production was trying too hard for a different interpretation - that the whole opera was just a dream in the mind of the characters. A good night's entertainment it was. Though not an interpretation of this classic that I buy into.
It was billed as a "Warm Up Event". But I think it was to do with contracts signed prior to the discovery of asbestos at the Royal Festival Hall which added six months to the renovation programme. Gustavo Dudamel conducted the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in Strauss Four Last Songs and Mahler 5th. The band made a good sound tough the upper strings were a bit subdue (or was it the Hall?) The Four Last Songs were a bit fast to my liking - and it was only Beim Schlafengehen where I felt the tempo was right. Measha Brueggergosman sang relatively well, though her BIG HAIR was in the way of the sound projection. Mahler 5th was thunderous and supple at the same time - the latter much helped by the strong viola and lower string section. It was exciting and forward but could do with a bit more rubati. Otherwise it was an enjoyable evening out at this much loved venue.
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