Bravo!

Congratulations to Christine Rice on her fantastic achievement as Ariadne in the world premiere of Harrison Birtwistle's 'The Minotaur'. Reviews have praised Christine for her 'faultless' performance 'in the taxing role of Ariadne, her voice hugely agile and rich over her wide range' (The Independent & Musical America respectively). Please click here for further reviews.

Giovanni Antonini and Emmanuel Pahud collaborated together for the very first time, with a fantastic tour of various European cities with the Baselkammerorchester. A wonderful review from the NZZ: "In the rhythmically charged performance of Beethoven's Fifth under Antonini's fervent direction, the theme of the first movement increased with rebounding vigour. The music was no where more radiant than in the triumphant finale. The rich, contrasting dynamics, the quick changes of mood between the lyrical and heroic provided tension and made complete sense of the work. As soloist in François Devienne's Flute Concert in e minor, Emmanuel Pahud performed with extreme elegance. The spontaneity, which came from the relaxed and masterly breath control of the flautist, impressed both here and in Mozart's Andante in C major." Here's to the next collaboration, which we await with eager anticipation!

Congratulations to Sir Simon Rattle on his debut with the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin conducting Debussy's Pelleas et Melisande. The Staatskapelle and Sir Simon were much celebrated by the audience and press alike and were hailed as one the highlights of the Berlin opera season. Magdalena Kozena made a highly acclaimed house debut as Melisande alongside William Burden's moving Pelleas (previously seen at the Metropolitan Opera in New York). Both Sir Simon Rattle and Magdalena Kozena will repeat their collaboration in this work in 2010/2011 at the Metropolitan Opera. The high profile cast was completed by the outstanding Hanno Müller-Brachmann as Golaud and the most remarkable portrayal of Arkel by Robert Lloyd.

Congratulations to Angela Denoke and David Kuebler who sang a highly acclaimed Marie and Andres in Christopher Marthaler's new production of Wozzeck for the Opera National de Paris. Adored by both the international press and the Parisian audience both artists will return to Paris throughout the 2008/9 season: David Kuebler as Vitek, Arbace and Schoolmaster and Angela Denoke in a revival of The Makropoulos Case and a new production of Fidelio.

Congratulations to Simon Keenlyside for his huge success in his debut in the title role of Wozzeck for the new production at the Bastille Paris Opera. The Financial Times commented that "Simon Keenlyside's hyperactive, boyish Wozzeck is perfect as the everyday dogsbody trying to push his growing distress to one side by maniacally rearranging chairs, wiping tables and methodically ironing. It is his evening and his triumph." For further reviews please click here.

Paul Goodwin and Xuefei Yang gave a fantastic concert with the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern at the Fruchthalle, Kaiserslautern. This was the first time the artists had worked together and roll on the next occasion! Paul has been a frequent visitor to the SWR Kaiserslautern Orchestra (their Strauss CD has recently been released) and very much enjoyed working with the newly-merged orchestra (SWR Kaiserslautern and Saarlandischer Rundfunk) in a programme of Rameau Overture from Les Boreades, Rodrigo Fantasia para un Gentilhombre and Haydan Symphony No. 49 in F major ('La Passione') . The press wrote that "all in all, guest conductor Paul Goodwin conducted a haunting performance with artistic intensity... Chinese soloist Xuefei Yang approached the movements with much intensity and very moving and deep expression… Her interpretation was animated and multi-faceted."