| Buxton Festival - Buxton | 19 January 2020 |
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Lucio Papirio DittatoreBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 5 | |
What matters is that Caldera's music makes it work |
 25 Jul 19 / Opera Journal |
An elegant presentation makes a strong case for Caldara’s neglected work |
| 21 Jul 19 / OperaWire |
This production makes a compelling case for this virtually unknown opera |
| 16 Jul 19 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
Three centuries after its first, and last, outing, an epic baroque opera fizzes into life in Buxton |
| 15 Jul 19 / The Observer |
Heroic rare outing for fiery Caldara opera |
| 11 Jul 19 / The Guardian |
GeorgianaBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
The music has a wonderful musical and dramatic consistency |
| 25 Jul 19 / Opera Journal |
A 21st libretto with 18th century music is a winning combination |
| 16 Jul 19 / OperaWire |
Scandalous duchess gets brilliant opera treatment at Buxton Festival |
| 12 Jul 19 / The Oxford Times |
more reviews [+]
Celebratory pasticcio |
| 10 Jul 19 / The Stage |
Eugene OneginBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Eugene Onegin at Buxton Opera House shines on all fronts |
| 10 Jul 19 / Derbyshire Times |
Musically impassioned |
| 9 Jul 19 / The Stage |
Buxton Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary with Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin |
| 9 Jul 19 / Bachtrack |
AlziraBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Le très louable Buxton Festival continue son exploration des raretés oubliées par le répertoire |
| 5 Aug 18 / Anaclase |
It's a very pleasant surprise then to discover that Alzira's poor reputation really isn't merited |
| 26 Jul 18 / Opera Journal |
Revival of a Verdi rarity that commands respect |
| 18 Jul 18 / Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
Verdians will want to seize the opportunity to see this rarity |
| 15 Jul 18 / Classical Source |
Buxton’s brave effort to stage British premiere of Verdi’s 1846 Alzira |
| 13 Jul 18 / Seen and Heard |
Stephen Barlow gave this rumbustious Verdian drama full throttle |
| 11 Jul 18 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Buxton make a strong case for Verdi's unloved early opera |
| 11 Jul 18 / The Guardian |
Verdi’s creation Alzira is an opera worth hearing |
| 9 Jul 18 / Derbyshire Times |
Rip-roaring rarity |
| 9 Jul 18 / Planet Hugill |
Revolutionary jungle fever |
| 9 Jul 18 / Bachtrack |
IdomeneoBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 8 | |
The singing is good all around, but little of it seems to express any real personality |
| 26 Jul 18 / Opera Journal |
Buxton’s singers take up the challenge of the C=considerable demands of Idomeneo |
| 14 Jul 18 / Seen and Heard |
Mozart's classical opera in a ponderous production in Buxton's bijou opera house |
| 14 Jul 18 / What's on Stage |
more reviews [+]
This sensible production by Stephen Medcalf gives clarity to the story |
| 11 Jul 18 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Monsters of the mind |
| 11 Jul 18 / Bachtrack |
An uneven staging |
| 10 Jul 18 / The Stage |
Mozart's Greek tragedy walks a psychological tightrope - and occasionally slips |
| 9 Jul 18 / The Arts Desk |
An Idomeneo driven by his own demons in this striking new production |
| 9 Jul 18 / Planet Hugill |
associated articles [+]
A great big present
Stephen Medcalf on returning to Buxton to direct his favourite piece, Idomeneo.
Stephen Medcalf on returning to Buxton to direct his favourite piece, Idomeneo.
Lucio SillaBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Fortunately the fine singing made up for the lack of imagination in the direction and set design |
| 3 Aug 17 / Opera Journal |
Despite a stark production, quality singing contributes to Buxton’s successful Lucio Silla |
| 13 Jul 17 / Seen and Heard |
In true eighteenth century operatic fashion this presents a conflict between power and love |
| 12 Jul 17 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
more reviews [+]
For teenage kicks |
| 11 Jul 17 / Bachtrack |
Albert HerringBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 8 | |
There was much to enjoy in this fabulously entertaining production of Britten's comic masterpiece |
| 27 Jul 17 / Opera Journal |
Buxton célèbre Britten |
| 26 Jul 17 / ConcertoNet (French) |
An orgiastic romp rich in character and fun at Buxton |
| 16 Jul 17 / Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
An irresitible Albert Herring |
| 14 Jul 17 / The Guardian |
Fresh peaches of temptation: Britten's Albert Herring at Buxton |
| 13 Jul 17 / Bachtrack |
The whole cast did a terrific job |
| 12 Jul 17 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Buxton’s Albert Herring brings out the humour and softens Britten’s harsh chords |
| 12 Jul 17 / Seen and Heard |
Class and character bring out the comedy in this beautifully observed production |
| 10 Jul 17 / Planet Hugill |
MacbethBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Stephen Gadd and Kate Ladner both gave convincing performances as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth |
| 27 Jul 17 / Opera Journal |
Nul ne saurait accuser le Buxton Festival de s’en tenir à une programmation confortable! |
| 27 Jul 17 / Anaclase |
Verdi s’impose dans la campagne anglaise |
| 25 Jul 17 / ConcertoNet (French) |
more reviews [+]
Raw, rough, and virile, unsubtle in colouring and emotion but ablaze with hotheaded energy |
| 14 Jul 17 / Telegraph |
Elijah Moshinsy offers a minimal, darkly-lit, and very effective staging |
| 12 Jul 17 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
A dark and sparse Buxton Macbeth redeemed by outstanding singing |
| 12 Jul 17 / Seen and Heard |
Clamourous harbingers of blood and death |
| 11 Jul 17 / Bachtrack |
An exceptional central performance |
| 11 Jul 17 / The Stage |
Verdi's original version of Macbeth in a rare staging which brings out the subtlety and complexity of the work |
| 10 Jul 17 / Planet Hugill |
Y TŵrBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Un nouvel opus d’un compositeur à suivre |
| 26 Jul 17 / Anaclase |
TamerlanoBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Cummings plays all the emotional turmoil of Tamerlano as a delicate question of manners and etiquette |
| 4 Aug 16 / Opera Journal |
A rare opportunity to hear Handel’s Tamerlano at Buxton |
| 14 Jul 16 / Seen and Heard |
The challenges of Handel’s great tragedy |
| 13 Jul 16 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
Games of Thrones |
| 13 Jul 16 / Bachtrack |
I Capuleti e I MontecchiBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 6 | |
The set, costume design and direction all go some way to establishing the necessary tone for the artificiality of the narrative |
| 4 Aug 16 / Opera Journal |
A well sung Bellini gets an unwelcome, if dramatic, update |
| 14 Jul 16 / Seen and Heard |
An assured staging of Bellini’s Romeo and Juliet opera |
| 13 Jul 16 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
The simple setting provided a fine background for the singers |
| 13 Jul 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Knives out in Verona: a fine I Capuleti e i Montecchi at Buxton Festival |
| 12 Jul 16 / Bachtrack |
Classic yet modern |
| 11 Jul 16 / Planet Hugill |
LeonoreBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 8 | |
The singing was overall excellent |
| 4 Aug 16 / Opera Journal |
Fidelio reverts to its original form at Buxton Festival |
| 15 Jul 16 / Seen and Heard |
An unfamiliar but compelling version of Leonore |
| 13 Jul 16 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
A fine start to the Buxton Festival |
| 13 Jul 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
“Beethoven's what?” Leonore at Buxton Festival |
| 12 Jul 16 / Bachtrack |
Buxton Festival at its best |
| 11 Jul 16 / Telegraph |
Not just Fidelio-lite - the real Leonore at the Buxton Festival |
| 11 Jul 16 / Planet Hugill |
A refreshing change to see the original version |
| 10 Jul 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Der Goldene DracheBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
À cette première d’importance le public fait un accueil favorable |
| 1 Aug 16 / Anaclase |
Taut, twisted tale of troubled lives |
| 20 Jul 16 / The Guardian |
The Golden Dragon is a witty Brechtian fable with a brilliant score |
| 20 Jul 16 / Telegraph |
Lucia di LammermoorBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Stephen Barlow conducts with urgency and fluency, |
| 25 Jul 15 / Manchester Evening News |
Lucia di Lammermoor amongst the Mafiosi |
| 20 Jul 15 / Planet Hugill |
Gradually going flat |
| 16 Jul 15 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Lucia di Lammermoor is not an essential night at the opera |
| 16 Jul 15 / The Spectator |
Buxton production does its marital duty |
| 15 Jul 15 / The Guardian |
Wonderful singing in a passionate work of art |
| 15 Jul 15 / Buxton Advertiser |
What really made the evening was the dramatic singing and theatrical portrayal of Lucia by Elin Pritchard |
| 15 Jul 15 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
LouiseBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Buxton Festival presents an operatic rarity: Charpentier’s Louise |
| 20 Jul 15 / Seen and Heard |
Tantalising and frustrating |
| 18 Jul 15 / Telegraph |
Terrific Louise from Madeleine Pierard in Gustave Charpentier's opera at the Buxton Festival |
| 18 Jul 15 / Bachtrack |
Giovanna d'ArcoBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Verdi's fascinating yet flawed and rarely performed Joan of Arc opera |
| 20 Jul 15 / Planet Hugill |
A thrilling Verdi rarity |
| 16 Jul 15 / The Spectator |
The whole production was of a high standard |
| 15 Jul 15 / Matlock Mercury |
more reviews [+]
Buxton do a creditable job with one of Verdi’s less inspired early creations |
| 15 Jul 15 / Seen and Heard |
Dark and heavenly visions |
| 15 Jul 15 / Bachtrack |
Bravo Buxton |
| 15 Jul 15 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Flawed Verdi rarity a missable choice for festival |
| 13 Jul 15 / The Guardian |
Gloria - A Pig TaleBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Like one of the unfunny bits on Monty Python, weird does not necessarily make wonderful |
| 27 Jul 14 / Gloucestershire Echo |
This pig of an opera should have been sent to the slaughterhouse years ago |
| 26 Jul 14 / Bachtrack |
OtelloBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Rare Rossini gets a good outing at Buxton |
| 21 Jul 14 / Seen and Heard |
Rare outing for one of Rossini's major serious operas |
| 21 Jul 14 / Planet Hugill |
Orfeo ed EuridiceBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Intense, modern version of Gluck's 1762 Italian opera |
| 21 Jul 14 / Planet Hugill |
Much of the work’s emotional content comes from the pit |
| 20 Jul 14 / Gloucestershire Echo |
Stephen Medcalf’s staging underlines the simplicity of Gluck’s musico-dramatic schema |
| 19 Jul 14 / Financial Times (via Google) |
more reviews [+]
A great classical story gets an update at Buxton Festival |
| 17 Jul 14 / Seen and Heard |
A lovely rendering of Gluck’s music under the baton of Stuart Stratford |
| 16 Jul 14 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Michael Chance's Orfeo is patchy, but Barbara Bargnesi's wounded Euridice is entrancingly sung |
| 15 Jul 14 / The Guardian |
Love reigns in Buxton's Orfeo ed Euridice, but at what cost? |
| 14 Jul 14 / Bachtrack |
The JakobinBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Sparkling revival of Dvorak's village opera, reset in the Fascist era |
| 21 Jul 14 / Planet Hugill |
Dvorák’s rarely heard Jacobin is ideal festival fare for Buxton |
| 18 Jul 14 / Seen and Heard |
A loving performance |
| 17 Jul 14 / Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
Dvořák’s unceasing generosity of melody elevates this rarely performed opera |
| 17 Jul 14 / Financial Times (via Google) |
This musical gem performed with such a fine cast is well worth the trip to Buxton |
| 16 Jul 14 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Rare and delightful revival of Dvořák's comedy |
| 14 Jul 14 / The Guardian |
Dvořák’s Jacobin returns from musical exile to delight Buxton |
| 14 Jul 14 / Bachtrack |
Luci mie traditriciBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Though it might not be to all tastes, its appearance is somewhat overdue |
| 18 Jul 13 / The Guardian |
associated articles [+]
Salvatore Sciarrino
His stage works are performed and acclaimed throughout Europe, but this week's Buxton opera festival production is a UK first. Salvatore Sciarrino talks about how, and why, he composes.
His stage works are performed and acclaimed throughout Europe, but this week's Buxton opera festival production is a UK first. Salvatore Sciarrino talks about how, and why, he composes.
La Princesse JauneBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Could the yellow princess really be a prince of another complexion altogether? |
| 15 Jul 13 / The Observer |
What possessed anyone to think that two such insipid pieces merited revival |
| 11 Jul 13 / Telegraph |
Paired rarities from Saint-Saëns and Gounod resurface in Derbyshire with an early Mozart |
| 9 Jul 13 / The Arts Desk |
more reviews [+]
Opera comique double bill at Buxton |
| 9 Jul 13 / Seen and Heard |
A double bill of French fripperies |
| 9 Jul 13 / The Guardian |
La ColombeBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 5 | |
The highlight is an aria about cooking |
| 15 Jul 13 / The Observer |
What possessed anyone to think that two such insipid pieces merited revival? |
| 11 Jul 13 / Telegraph |
Paired rarities from Saint-Saëns and Gounod resurface in Derbyshire with an early Mozart |
| 9 Jul 13 / The Arts Desk |
more reviews [+]
Opera comique double bill at Buxton |
| 9 Jul 13 / Seen and Heard |
A double bill of French fripperies |
| 9 Jul 13 / The Guardian |
La finta giardinieraBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Harry Fehr's Buxton staging makes a surprisingly strong case for this disregarded piece |
| 10 Jul 13 / The Guardian |
Paired rarities from Saint-Saëns and Gounod resurface in Derbyshire with an early Mozart |
| 9 Jul 13 / The Arts Desk |
Mozart’s pretend gardener becomes a soap opera |
| 9 Jul 13 / Seen and Heard |
L'OlimpiadeBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Obscure operas, Festival darlings |
| 18 Jul 12 / New York Times |
Kashchei the ImmortalBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Obscure operas, Festival darlings |
| 18 Jul 12 / New York Times |
Buxton unearths some operatic rarities |
| 15 Jul 12 / Independent on Sunday |
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News & Articles
| Buxton International Opera wins UK Theatre Award |
Buxton International Opera was awarded the Achievement Award in Opera at the annual UK Theatre Awards, held at London’s Guildhall on Sunday 27 October 2019. |
| 30 Oct 2019 / Classical Music Magazine |
| Buxton International Festival announces 2020 opera repertoire |
Next year’s festival will take place from 3 – 22 July 2020 and will feature five opera productions. |
| 3 Jul 2019 / Opera Now |
| A great big present |
Stephen Medcalf on returning to Buxton to direct his favourite piece, Idomeneo. |
| 2 Jul 2018 / Planet Hugill |
| Buxton’s Stephen Barlow steps down |
Stephen Barlow has announced that he will step down as artistic director of Buxton International Festival, after a seven-year tenure. |
| 7 Apr 2018 / Opera Now |
| Buxton International Festival announces 2017 programme |
The festival’s opera series comprises new productions of Verdi’s Macbeth, Britten’s Albert Herring, Mozart’s Lucio Silla, and Guto Puw’s Y Twr. |
| 31 Jan 2017 / Opera Now |
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