It was a couple of years ago when the Royal Opera showed the then new production of L'heure Espagnole with Richard Jones as director. This revival brought back the hunky tenor-with-biceps Christopher Maltman as Ramiro and busty Ruxandra Donose as Concepcion who replaces Christine Rice. It still retained its naughtiness and frisson. Pappano, once again, brought this somewhat difficult score to life.
This was the first revival of George Benjamin's Written On Skin. As with contemporary operas, familiarity goes a long way in appreciating the work. In this revival, I found Christopher Purves's The Protector powerful and moving. Barbara Hannigan, who sang Agnès, was superb. The pure and slightly eerie tone of Iestyn Davies as The Boy completed the perfect cast.
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