The week in classical: Israel in Egypt; James McVinnie & Tristan Perich: Infinity Gradient; Bluebeard’s Castle – review
The Monteverdi Choir dazzles in Handel’s pestilential thriller; one organ and 100 speakers pack quite a punch; and Jennifer Johnston saves the day in fiery Bartók
The outlook is gloomy for opera in Wales
Letter: Clive Summers on the withdrawal of funding from Mid Wales Opera. Plus, Paul Collins on English National Opera’s forthcoming move from London
Duke Bluebeard’s Castle review – erotic, unsettling and beautifully staged
A last-minute cast substitution added a remarkable gender twist to Bartók’s opera about marital disintegration
Jenůfa review – Alden’s harrowing staging remains a formidable piece of theatre
Jennifer Davis in the title role and Susan Bullock as Kostelnička are both outstanding in Janáček’s unremittingly intense tale relolcated to a drab industrial town in post-communist Europe
The Magic Flute review – ENO’s revival is a peach of wit, wisdom and laughs
There’s never a dull moment in Simon McBurney’s ingenious production, with Sarah Tynan and the ENO orchestra in fine fettle and a demented dalek-like Queen of the Night
English National Opera musicians call off strike action after agreement reached
ENO will now revise plans that triggered dispute, after negotiations with Musicians’ Union
The Barber of Seville review – Miller’s 1987 staging still sparkles
Rossini’s comedy is engaging, warm and witty in this revival of Jonathan Miller’s staging with Charles Rice’s Figaro dominating – as he should
The Handmaid’s Tale review – Poul Ruders’s opera shows Atwood’s novel has lost none of its relevance
While it shies away from some of the brutality of the book, the ENO’s uncluttered staging gives space to the sharply drawn characters and revels in sumptuous atonality
English National Opera employees to strike over cuts
Underfunding of Manchester move blamed as Musicians’ Union announces first full strike in 44 years
English National Opera members to vote on strike action over pay dispute
Equity union says chorus members will vote in early January on whether to act over plans to cut salaries by 40%
La Grande Musique
