Best classical and opera of 2015: Five top performances and one turkey from Saul at Glyndebourne to Poliuto
Highlights of the year, plus one that didn't live up to the hype
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Indian Queen, Coliseum
With this take on Purcell's unfinished opera, wild-boy Peter Sellars achieved something extraordinary. Reworked round a new text by the Nicaraguan novelist Rosario Aguilar, the music became the soundtrack for the colonial encounter between Europeans and Mayans; designs and choreography were sublime.
Die Meistersinger, Coliseum
Ravishingly lit on the simplest of sets, Richard Jones's production was at once Nuremberg 1868 and a timeless reflection of German culture, with little swoops into surrealism. A world-class ensemble show, and the most convincing realisation I've ever seen of Wagner's affirmation of the power of love and creativity.
Saul, Glyndebourne
Barrie Kosky's staging of Handel's oratorio was both witty and beautiful. No praise too high for the singing of Iestyn Davies, Paul Appleby and Christopher Purves; of Lucy Crowe and Sophie Bevan as Merab and Michal, respectively; and of Benjamin Hulett as a cross between a clown and a soothsayer.
Andras Schiff, BBC Proms
This performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations was an extraordinary event, not least in that the Royal Albert Hall was packed out for a late-night piano recital. But Schiff is the undisputed master of this labyrinthine work, and he managed to imbue each variation with drama, while celebrating the architecture of the whole.
Orpheus, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
The candle-lit intimacy of this exquisitely reconstructed 17th-century theatre perfectly suited Keith Warner's brilliant take on Luigi Rossi's rarely performed tragicomedy. Wonderful singing by Siobhan Stagg, Caitlin Hulcup, Sky Ingram, Keri Fuge and Mark Milhofer; superb playing under Christian Curnyn.
Turkey of the Year
Poliuto, Glyndebourne
This staging of Donizetti's rarely performed tragedy had fabulous singing, but Mariame Clément's direction was woefully cack-handed. She wanted us to think of Sarajevo, but all we could think of was Gilbert and Sullivan, and at a dismally parish-hall level.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments