CCL

Is it ok on this thread to ask what the pricing is like for Das Rheingold? 

Thanks Jenny, you have definitely removed any lingering doubts I may have had about seeing this production! Glad you enjoyed the singing, at least.

I’m so pleased to see positive reactions to Thomas Whitehead’s performance as one of the sisters. I didn’t see him in this role unfortunately but I love his Friar Lawrence…

Dawnstar, I’m in absolute awe of your thoughtfulness and initiative. How lovely it must have been to see Laura holding your flowers!!

Geoff, as an opera newbie, I have really fallen for the music of Aida. I can imagine that a trip to Vienna was well worth it…

Regarding unattractive productions, I was considering seeing Aida at the ROH, but it seems like such a ‘grey’ production that I decided to save my money. I went to the Ukrainian opera company/Ellen Kent production of Aida at the Churchill in Bromley instead. I thought it was rather good for £30 and an excellent seat.

I’ll gladly see DQ and Manon again. The MacMillan and Ashton mixed bills look very exciting!

Opera-wise, lots I’m interested in - need to read over it again. Yes, this announcement was definitely worth the wait.

9 minutes ago, Dawnstar said:

 

 I was also extremely impressed by the most recent guest appearance I saw, Iana Salenko in ENB's Swan Lake. 

Yes, me too, Dawnstar! She was wonderful with Frola! 

23 hours ago, Sim said:

 I much preferred Belinda Hatley, who unfortunately was overshadowed by the 'star power' of Bussell.  

Belinda Hatley was a gorgeous Cinderella! I saw her in a number of roles but that’s the memory I treasure 

4 hours ago, Suffolkgal said:

Just remembering a few partnerships from the past - Collier right at the end of her performing days finding a new glow with a big hunky Tartar! He was then destined for Bussell but then started dancing with Durante ... miraculous. Anyone remember Park/Eagling? They were wonderful too

I used to book almost exclusively back in the day for Mukhamedov/Durante. They were wonderful together. 
I’m in agreement with Dawnstar that I don’t see enough of Clarke because Osipova is not my automatic dancer of choice, but if Manon is on next season and Osipova is dancing,I’m very tempted to book…

I’d like to see Muntagirov/Naghdi as a possible pairing. That being said, Yasmine is absolutely perfect with Matthew Ball. Clarke/ Nunez is a partnership that would interest me.

BridieM, your review said what I couldn’t and sums up why this ballet makes me feel so emotional- the choreography and music touch me on a deep level. Thank you for your lovely words.

A belated few thoughts about last Saturday evening’s performance…I was there with my mum, who is 80 later this year. She has been an avid watcher of ballet for her entire adult life, and has spoken of her admiration for Francesca Hayward, having seen her on screen a few times. So to be able to take her to see Francesca perform was very special. It really was a magical evening and a magical production. I liked the design and set very much – my favourite part was the beautiful staircase (to heaven?) in Act 3. I also liked most of the costumes (my mum didn’t like them as much). I like what Sim said upthread about magic being in the air and the Prince anticipating something happening (yes, it is very like ‘Something Good’ from West Side Story! – that line ‘the air is humming’ makes me think of the beautiful music that heralds the imminent arrival of Cinderella!) Francesca Hayward was magnetic, truly spellbinding;  Alexander Campbell was perfect as her prince. I hadn’t seen Annette Buvoli in a big role before and thought she was utterly delightful as the Fairy Godmother. Finally, the score, which is one of my favourites, sounded wonderful under Koen Kessels. I will remember this evening for a long time.

Onegin would head my wish list. It was the last ballet I saw before the first lockdown. Yasmine Naghdi was exquisite and I came away hoping I’d be able to see Onegin again very soon. 

I’m sorry to hear this. I absolutely love his music for Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence and the collaboration with David Sylvian from the band Japan 

Back to the score… I absolutely love it and find it impossible not to cry during the overture.  I can’t wait to see Cinderella on the 15th April - I’m taking my mum to see Francesca Hayward as a late Christmas present.

I couldn’t access it repeatedly yesterday afternoon from my iPad either - it’s fine now, though.

Our Voices sounds very interesting indeed- I will make a point of seeing that.

I’m also delighted about Giselle!

 I will probably book for Carmen as I’ve only ever seen it as an opera.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased!

Vinke was indisposed for yesterday’s performance and was replaced by Norbert Ernst who did very well. I absolutely loved Lise Davidsen. I’ve seen a description of her voice as ‘gleaming’ and it really was. The Venusberg dance at the beginning was superb. So much to enjoy in this, my first ever Wagner opera - the emotion in Act 3 was overwhelming. 

The phone rules at the ABBA Voyage show are also very strict: no pictures are allowed to be taken at any point and a warning is given that anyone seen not adhering to this rule will be asked to leave.

35 minutes ago, Odyssey said:

The Fall and Michael Clark come to mind.  

I really wish I’d gone to see The Fall and Michael Clark at the time instead of staying in my comfort zone…

I saw the Mark Bruce Company with PJ Harvey, which was beautiful 

I think this sounds fascinating- I’m sure my husband, being a Black Sabbath fan, will be interested in this!

Yes, Emeralds! I’m really keen to see BRB perform Swan Lake but dates/locations haven’t worked for me. I’d be delighted if the production came to London!

Thank you Sebastian! I’m looking forward to it

I’ll be intrigued to see casting for Creature - I’m still in two minds about booking…