| English National Opera - London | 24 September 2017 |
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Performance reviews
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The Dream of GerontiusEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this performance is the lighting |
 21 Jul 17 / A Younger Theatre |
Simone Young is in supreme control of the ENO Orchestra, which delivers playing of the utmost sensitivity |
| 6 Jul 17 / Music OMH |
ENO’s chorus shone in Elgar’s oratorio — but what happened to the promised ‘staging’? |
| 4 Jul 17 / Financial Times (via Google) |
more reviews [+]
English National Opera presented, in simple terms, a Gerontius with lights |
| 4 Jul 17 / Classical Source |
New light on Elgar’s soul |
| 4 Jul 17 / Evening Standard |
Glimpse of heaven on earth as ENO perform The Dream of Gerontius at the Royal Festival Hall |
| 4 Jul 17 / Seen and Heard |
ENO takes Elgar's soul on a dramatic journey |
| 3 Jul 17 / The Guardian |
Charlie Parker's YardbirdEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Under Clark Rundell, the sixteen-strong ENO ensemble adapts easily to the swing enshrined in Schnyder’s score |
| 19 Jun 17 / Classical Source |
A brilliant platform for Brownlee |
| 17 Jun 17 / The Observer |
The evening belongs to Lawrence Brownlee in the title role |
| 17 Jun 17 / Music OMH |
more reviews [+]
Lovely European premiere of Schnyder’s Yardbird at the English National Opera |
| 14 Jun 17 / Seen and Heard |
A jazz-infused opera about the life and times of Charlie Parker |
| 12 Jun 17 / What's on Stage |
A moving tribute in Charlie Parker’s Yardbird |
| 12 Jun 17 / Bachtrack |
Lawrence Brownlee holds everything together with magnificent authority |
| 12 Jun 17 / Independent |
Beauty, anger and poetry, but the jazz great's genius eludes us |
| 11 Jun 17 / The Guardian |
A solemn hagiography, lacking wit and energy |
| 11 Jun 17 / Telegraph |
Simply stupendous European premiere of a "bebopera" centred on the last days of Charlie Parker |
| 10 Jun 17 / Jazz Journal |
associated articles [+]
The Bird in my hand: my journey to Charlie Parker
Bridgette Wimberly’s uncle so idolised his jazz-legend friend that he took up the saxophone – and copied his heroin use. Now she’s written the libretto for an opera about the musician.
Bridgette Wimberly’s uncle so idolised his jazz-legend friend that he took up the saxophone – and copied his heroin use. Now she’s written the libretto for an opera about the musician.
CarouselEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
It’s fine… if you close your eyes |
| 17 Apr 17 / The Guardian |
Jenkins and Boe are a joy in Rodgers and Hammerstein classic |
| 14 Apr 17 / The Guardian |
Like the best types of fairground rides, this does not disappoint |
| 14 Apr 17 / What's on Stage |
more reviews [+]
Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins show off their pipes but their relationship lacks chemistry |
| 14 Apr 17 / Evening Standard |
Star power isn't the reason to catch ENO's Rodgers and Hammerstein pricey co-production |
| 14 Apr 17 / The Arts Desk |
Katherine Jenkins and Alfie Boe rise to the Rodgers and Hammerstein challenge |
| 14 Apr 17 / Telegraph |
Carousel has seldom felt less affecting |
| 14 Apr 17 / The Stage |
The music is where this show is at its strongest |
| 14 Apr 17 / Broadway World |
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s darkest work is masterpiece enough to withstand the mild indignities of miscasting |
| 14 Apr 17 / A Younger Theatre |
There's no question that the musical qualities in this show are exemplary |
| 13 Apr 17 / London Theatre |
Lonny Price’s production is very nearly a victim of its own success |
| 13 Apr 17 / Music OMH |
associated articles [+]
Fury as ENO casts Katherine Jenkins and Alfie Boe in Carousel
ENO has risked the wrath of its core fans after announcing it is to stage a new version of Carousel starring Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins, as it bids to expand its audiences to lovers of musicals.
ENO has risked the wrath of its core fans after announcing it is to stage a new version of Carousel starring Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins, as it bids to expand its audiences to lovers of musicals.
PartenopeEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 16 | |
Partenope is an operatic London Eye |
| 24 Mar 17 / A Younger Theatre |
Despite having a ludicrous plot, this is a glorious evening's entertainment |
| 21 Mar 17 / Express |
surrealism and sensuality at English National Opera |
| 20 Mar 17 / Opera Today |
more reviews [+]
Curnyn and ENO revive Alden’s 2008 production of Handel’s Partenope with splendid results |
| 20 Mar 17 / Seen and Heard |
A musically sparkling revival of ENO's stylish 1920s production with Sarah Tynan stunning in the title role |
| 20 Mar 17 / Planet Hugill |
Partenope surréaliste au London Coliseum |
| 20 Mar 17 / Opera Online |
The Orchestra under conductor Christian Curnyn brings out the glories of Handel’s sublime music |
| 19 Mar 17 / Express |
English National Opera’s production is a delight |
| 18 Mar 17 / Financial Times (via Google) |
Sung as mellifluously as this, it’s one not to be missed |
| 18 Mar 17 / Independent |
The cast is less starry than on its original run in 2008, but is accomplished enough |
| 17 Mar 17 / Classical Source |
This witty, wry masterpiece gets the perfect updating |
| 17 Mar 17 / The Times |
Handel's spry comic opera returns to ENO in a strongly cast revival |
| 17 Mar 17 / What's on Stage |
Pleasant enough but little more |
| 16 Mar 17 / Bachtrack |
Combining vivacity with delicacy |
| 16 Mar 17 / The Stage |
Handel on a night out with beardy bohemians |
| 16 Mar 17 / The Guardian |
A striking night in 1920s Paris |
| 16 Mar 17 / Evening Standard |
The Pirates of PenzanceEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 13 | |
ENO’s Pirates finds its mojo |
| 12 Mar 17 / The Observer |
A pacy and well defined performance of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s marvellous score |
| 19 Feb 17 / Express |
A pleasant but uneven revival of Mike Leigh’s 2015 production |
| 17 Feb 17 / A Younger Theatre |
more reviews [+]
What a pleasure to welcome back Mike Leigh’s Pirates |
| 15 Feb 17 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Petticoated pirate romp |
| 14 Feb 17 / Bachtrack |
This production’s basic difficulty was compounded by some poor directorial choices |
| 14 Feb 17 / Music OMH |
English National Opera and cast impress in Mike Leigh’s production of The Pirates of Penzance |
| 13 Feb 17 / Seen and Heard |
Precise patter aplenty in Mike Leigh revival |
| 13 Feb 17 / The Guardian |
A charming Pirates of Penzance revival at ENO |
| 11 Feb 17 / Opera Today |
ENO's The Pirates of Penzance makes for bright, light entertainment |
| 11 Feb 17 / Telegraph |
Mike Leigh's reverential production of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera returns |
| 11 Feb 17 / What's on Stage |
Fun for all |
| 11 Feb 17 / Classical Source |
Its first revival is even better thanks partly to an inspired cast |
| 11 Feb 17 / Express |
The Winter's TaleEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 15 | |
A top ENO cast and orchestra do justice to Ryan Wigglesworth’s The Winter’s Tale |
| 6 Mar 17 / The Observer |
A Winter's Tale: a world premiere at English National Opera |
| 6 Mar 17 / Opera Today |
ENO's Composer in Residence Ryan Wigglesworth has long been obsessed with The Winter’s Tale |
| 6 Mar 17 / Express |
more reviews [+]
Création de The Winter’s Tale au London Coliseum |
| 4 Mar 17 / Opera Online |
The Winter’s Tale may not be a revelatory or ground-breaking opera, but it is a resourceful and absorbing one |
| 3 Mar 17 / Classical Source |
English National Opera gives The Winter’s Tale a baptism of which all should be proud |
| 2 Mar 17 / Seen and Heard |
Rory Kinnear's directorial debut is a charmless disappointment |
| 1 Mar 17 / Telegraph |
Striking sounds but not enough fury in new Shakespearean opera |
| 1 Mar 17 / The Guardian |
An intelligent staging |
| 1 Mar 17 / The Stage |
A radiant Sophie Bevan as Hermione |
| 1 Mar 17 / Independent |
As dissonant and disconsolate as Leontes’s wintry court |
| 1 Mar 17 / The Times |
“A sad tale’s best for winter”: Wigglesworth's Shakespeare full of eloquent clarity at the Coliseum |
| 1 Mar 17 / Bachtrack |
If a sad tale really is best for winter, then we've certainly been blessed this year |
| 1 Mar 17 / Broadway World |
English National Opera's newly-commissioned opera is a triumph for Rory Kinnear |
| 1 Mar 17 / What's on Stage |
Impressive directorial debut by Rory Kinnear |
| 1 Mar 17 / Evening Standard |
RigolettoEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 12 | |
Jonathan Miller’s 1982 “mafioso” Rigoletto made a triumphant return to the Coliseum last week |
| 12 Feb 17 / Express |
This superb production well matches the tragedy that unfolds |
| 8 Feb 17 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Jonathan Miller's production is ageing elegantly |
| 7 Feb 17 / Evening Standard |
more reviews [+]
Jonathan Miller’s Rigoletto comes round again at ENO |
| 6 Feb 17 / Seen and Heard |
Miller's Rigoletto makes a flawed return to English National Opera |
| 6 Feb 17 / Bachtrack |
ENO returns to Jonathan Miller’s classic production |
| 6 Feb 17 / The Observer |
An unexceptional revival |
| 4 Feb 17 / The Stage |
ENO pumps up the volume on Verdi's violent tragedy |
| 4 Feb 17 / The Guardian |
Jonathan Miller's indestructible production of Verdi's revenge opera returns to ENO |
| 4 Feb 17 / What's on Stage |
The hairs rise as they should on the nape of the neck |
| 4 Feb 17 / Independent |
Welcome back to Little Italy in 1950s’ New York |
| 4 Feb 17 / Classical Source |
ENO should have left Jonathan Miller's Rigoletto on the shelf |
| 4 Feb 17 / Telegraph |
LuluEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 17 | |
La femme 100 têtes |
| 18 Nov 16 / Forum Opéra |
A tremendous company achievement |
| 18 Nov 16 / Evening Standard |
A work of enormous allure – and repulsiveness |
| 18 Nov 16 / The Spectator |
more reviews [+]
The one outstanding feature of the production was the American soprano Brenda Rae in the title role |
| 17 Nov 16 / Express |
Kentridge’s Production of Lulu Another Triumph for English National Opera |
| 17 Nov 16 / Seen and Heard |
Mark Wigglesworth's conducting proved to be the unifying force for all its tones and styles |
| 17 Nov 16 / Opera Journal |
This first night performance was an A-team success under the wonderfully incisive baton of Mark Wigglesworth |
| 16 Nov 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Enter, cry, die |
| 15 Nov 16 / The Critics' Circle |
The great South African artist William Kentridge has directed a dazzling production of Berg’s landmark opera Lulu |
| 14 Nov 16 / Express |
Dramatic intensity, risk of sensory overload |
| 11 Nov 16 / Bachtrack |
ENO scores a company triumph with Berg's picaresque opera |
| 11 Nov 16 / What's on Stage |
ENO on superb form |
| 11 Nov 16 / The Stage |
Sara Connolly is compelling as Lulu’s admirer |
| 11 Nov 16 / Independent |
The production as a whole gets right to the centre of this heartless masterpiece |
| 11 Nov 16 / Classical Source |
As a piece of musical theatre you won't find better this year |
| 11 Nov 16 / Broadway World |
ENO's Lulu is a superb staging of a difficult modern masterpiece |
| 11 Nov 16 / Telegraph |
Kentridge makes Berg's opera a serious visual feast |
| 11 Nov 16 / The Guardian |
Les pêcheurs de perlesEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 13 | |
Carmen it is not |
| 1 Nov 16 / Boulezian |
This is one of ENO’s finest productions |
| 26 Oct 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Claudia Boyle produces a beautiful sound as Leïla |
| 24 Oct 16 / Music OMH |
more reviews [+]
ENO’s theatrical Les pêcheurs de perles is exposed to the elements |
| 23 Oct 16 / Seen and Heard |
A night of nonsense with some great tunes: ENO grants a second revival to Bizet's opera |
| 22 Oct 16 / What's on Stage |
The real star of the show remains the production |
| 22 Oct 16 / Opera Today |
ENO can and should do better |
| 20 Oct 16 / Broadway World |
A night of nonsense with some great tunes |
| 20 Oct 16 / What's on Stage |
Reheated orientalism does ENO no favours |
| 20 Oct 16 / The Guardian |
ENO's Pearl Fishers is a welcome revival of a grand, gorgeous production |
| 20 Oct 16 / Telegraph |
Slow to ignite: tepid revival of Bizet’s Pearl Fishers at ENO |
| 20 Oct 16 / Bachtrack |
Promising, if not persuasive |
| 20 Oct 16 / The Stage |
Penny Woolcock’s subtly developing production is a real feather in ENO’s cap |
| 20 Oct 16 / Classical Source |
ToscaEnglish National OperaNo. of reviews: 12 | |
It may not be a perfect production but there is much to admire |
| 27 Oct 16 / Classical Source |
More than any other Puccini opera, Tosca is a rollercoaster from start to finish |
| 16 Oct 16 / Express |
It was not a vintage night for solo singing |
| 8 Oct 16 / Opera Today |
more reviews [+]
The three central performances are exceptionally strong |
| 7 Oct 16 / Music OMH |
Puccini restaging has powerful performances but a little more subtlety wouldn't go amiss |
| 6 Oct 16 / Evening Standard |
Puccini is the absolute master of the tear-jerker opera |
| 6 Oct 16 / Express |
A wonderful staging compellingly performed |
| 5 Oct 16 / Mark Ronan's Theatre Reviews |
Handsome, traditional, revivable - the show is everything it should be |
| 5 Oct 16 / Broadway World |
This is a Tosca well worth catching |
| 5 Oct 16 / Independent |
A mixed Tosca from English National Opera |
| 5 Oct 16 / Bachtrack |
ENO's latest revival of Tosca is all right for a Monday night |
| 5 Oct 16 / Telegraph |
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Performance schedule
Verdi
28 Sep to 2 Dec 2017
Rossini
5 to 28 Oct 2017
Handel
26 Oct to 15 Nov 2017
Muhly
18 Nov to 3 Dec 2017
Glass
1 to 27 Feb 2018
Gilbert & Sullivan
13 Feb to 7 Apr 2018
Britten
1 to 15 Mar 2018
Verdi
16 Mar to 13 Apr 2018
Mozart
29 Mar to 14 Apr 2018
Britten
22 to 30 Jun 2018
News & Articles
| Cressida Pollock to leave English National Opera |
The chief executive of English National Opera, Cressida Pollock, is to leave her job three years after she was appointed to rescue the company from financial disaster. |
| 22 Sep 2017 / Telegraph |
| English National Opera announces 2017/18 season |
English National Opera’s 2017/18 season comprises four new productions and five revivals at the London Coliseum, and a number of projects in other venues. |
| 28 Apr 2017 / Opera Now |
| ENO recruits diction coaches for new opera season |
If you've ever struggled to hear every word being sung at an opera, things may be about to improve. |
| 28 Apr 2017 / BBC News |
| La La Land music director to work with English National Opera |
Marius de Vries joins as creative consultant to help new artistic director develop projects away from traditional opera. |
| 10 Mar 2017 / The Guardian |
| ENO plucks casting director from Scotland |
English National Opera has appointed Michelle Williams as Head of Casting from 6 March 2017. |
| 12 Jan 2017 / Slipped Disc |
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