In review: Written On Skin at ROH

Review

What's most thrilling about this Written on Skin was how the piece itself shone through Mitchell's production. Phrases from the libretto - like "blame her for everything" - leapt out as though shouted; Benjamin's use of the glass armonica - the instrument of "hysteria" - is well-timed and significant. Though it didn't overshadow the human stories of Agnès and The Protector, there was clear commentary on free will, and the cruelty inherent in God's creation of man.

Works & Process: Rusalka at the Guggenheim

Interview

"I hope that when audience members come to Works & Process, they are stimulated by the conversation on the artist panel, gain a greater understanding and appreciation, feel a closer or more personal connection to the work because they meet and hear the artists’ creative visions, and that seeing our performance inspires them to attend the full work."

Don't miss: Boston Camerata at the AGO

News

As part of the presentation, the Boston Camerata has been invited to perform a collection of devotional music from the 16th century. Under the direction of Anne Azéma, the period ensemble consists of four vocalists, and period instruments such as lutes, violas da gamba, vielle, harp and a hurdy gurdy. Yup. A hurdy gurdy. #HurdyGurdy

Summer programs in Europe: 4 things to do on your day off

Editorial

Doing some al fresco shopping is a great way to work on your language skills, particularly the words for various foods and units of measurement. You can also get an idea of what different foods cost, and save yourself from getting swindled on future shopping trips. Plus, you can reap the great benefits of a friendly relationship with the woman who sells all the garlic in Sulmona, Italy.

#COC1718

News

Perhaps the most surprising announcement is the appointment of Canadian soprano Jane Archibald as the COC's new Artist-In-Residence. Archibald sings leading roles in three of the company's mainstage productions next season, including two role debuts. She'll also perform in the Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre, and she'll work as a mentor to the members of the COC Ensemble Studio and the Orchestra Academy.

How to throw a funeral for a viola

Op-ed

My viola: you were with me for a thousand mornings. How do you greet an empty room? With Bach of course. Or as time went on, with improv, as your magic worked in me and I felt freer and freer to sing anything from the heart, trusting what would come from you.

Charlotte Church the latest voice in music's Trump boycott

Humour

Speaking of the various circles of hell, Drumpf, is having a really hard time finding people who want to celebrate his win as President of the Divided States of America; the list of people refusing to perform is growing longer... and longer... and longer... With the event a mere 9 days away, so far we have: Jackie Evancho singing, the Rockettes performing on a "voluntary basis", and a college marching band - that's it.

Opera by the numbers

Op-ed

If you’re anything like me, you're already dreaming about fresh strawberries and Prosecco, long summer evenings, and outdoor opera. While a chilly fog settles over London once again, I'm getting curious about upcoming shows and trends, so here's a breakdown of what we've got to look forward to at 2017's UK summer festivals.

In review: La Colla & Katzarava in recital

Review

At the same time, Wigmore Hall is not conducive to an evening of opera scenes. The two singers seemed to fall into a groove, carved from their respective past performances of Butterfly or Turandot. They seemed to want to fill the recital stage with stuff, making up for the lack of sets and costumes and space, when instead they could have done less, and simply let their voices do the work.

Layla Claire, soprano & yogi

Interview

A portable practice focused largely on breath, it's no wonder why opera singers are such fans of yoga. Canadian soprano Layla Claire is one of those singers who swears by yoga as part of her daily warm-up; if you've ever heard her sing, it's clear that her warm-up routine is serving her very well.