| Buxton Festival - Buxton | 20 April 2024 |
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Performance reviews
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Il re pastoreBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Un quintette de jeunes gens brillants flatte immanquablement l’oreille |
 24 Jul 23 / Anaclase |
A work that has more than just curiosity value |
| 20 Jul 23 / Opera Journal |
Operatic delights at the Buxton Festival |
| 19 Jul 23 / The Article |
more reviews [+]
An imaginative recreation of a rarely encountered musical drama by Mozart |
| 14 Jul 23 / Classical Source |
Adrian Kelly and Jack Furness take that opportunity in this production to show that this is a work that has more than just curiosity value |
| 14 Jul 23 / Opera Journal |
Arcadia in the Peak District |
| 13 Jul 23 / Bachtrack |
An evening of lovely music and pleasant rural scenes |
| 12 Jul 23 / The Star |
La SonnambulaBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Une fine équipe de chanteurs, plutôt dynamique |
| 22 Jul 23 / Anaclase |
Operatic delights at the Buxton Festival |
| 19 Jul 23 / The Article |
Vocally the cast compellingly turn the conventions of Italian opera to the dictates of the production |
| 13 Jul 23 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
An evening of wonderful music sung by talented performers and musicians who rose to its every challenge |
| 12 Jul 23 / The Star |
OrlandoBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
This Orlando would be of great interest to anyone looking for as authentic a performance of Handel as possible |
| 20 Jul 23 / Opera Journal |
Method without madness: an intriguing Orlando at Buxton Festival |
| 15 Jul 23 / Bachtrack |
Viva la DivaBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Buxton is known for reviving rare and little-known operas |
| 28 Jul 22 / Opera Journal |
In essence, this is truly what opera can be all about |
| 17 Jul 22 / Classical Source |
Cowboys, canines and note-perfect farce |
| 16 Jul 22 / The Guardian |
La donna del lagoBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 6 | |
La donna del lago is an irresistible Rossini opera |
| 28 Jul 22 / Opera Journal |
Glorious music, fine singing, confusing production |
| 19 Jul 22 / Bachtrack |
Not a kilt in sight |
| 18 Jul 22 / Planet Hugill |
more reviews [+]
It has to be said that Buxton fielded a very impressive cast |
| 17 Jul 22 / Opera Today |
Donizetti in the Peak District |
| 12 Jul 22 / The Article |
Strong cast overcomes confusing staging |
| 12 Jul 22 / The Stage |
Antonio e CleopatraBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Important in the presentation was the flexibility and responsiveness of the instrumental ensemble |
| 18 Jul 22 / Opera Today |
Baroque gem: Hasse's early serenata gets an intriguing modern staging in Buxton with some stylish singing |
| 18 Jul 22 / Planet Hugill |
Overall this is a witty, affectionate take on a rare and intriguing work |
| 17 Jul 22 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
Cowboys, canines and note-perfect farce |
| 16 Jul 22 / The Guardian |
Mansfield ParkBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Cowboys, canines and note-perfect farce |
| 16 Jul 22 / The Guardian |
Acis e GalateaBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | 
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By the conclusion this Acis and Galatea was soaring |
| 29 Jul 21 / Opera Journal |
Elegance, youthful talent and a delightful rediscovery |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Stage |
There are certainly some intriguing ideas in this production, but they fall short of coming together as a convincing whole |
| 14 Jul 21 / Classical Source |
Dido's GhostBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
The production was hugely impressive in its musical performance and presentation |
| 22 Jul 21 / Opera Journal |
Errollyn Wallen’s take on Purcell brilliantly splices rock and baroque |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Arts Desk |
Fairytale joy and a beguiling new take on Dido |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Guardian |
The Dancing MasterBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 5 | |
A thoroughly enjoyable rediscovery |
| 22 Jul 21 / Opera Journal |
The cast, led by Eleanor Dennis as Miranda, fully entered into the spirit of things |
| 21 Jul 21 / The Article |
Arnold’s ‘bawdy’ period piece no longer shocks or awes |
| 15 Jul 21 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
Elegance, youthful talent and a delightful rediscovery |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Stage |
The Dancing Master is certainly a fluent, engaging composition |
| 13 Jul 21 / Classical Source |
The Enchanted PigBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | 
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The magic of Jonathan Dove’s score was beautifully brought out by five musicians |
| 21 Jul 21 / The Article |
Elegance, youthful talent and a delightful rediscovery |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Stage |
CendrillonBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
fairytale joy and a beguiling new take on Dido |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Guardian |
Elegance, youthful talent and a delightful rediscovery |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Stage |
A Little Night MusicBuxton FestivalNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Elegance, youthful talent and a delightful rediscovery |
| 14 Jul 21 / The Stage |
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 |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Bizet/Brook
5 to 16 Jul 2024
Verdi
6 to 17 Jul 2024
Haydn
7 to 20 Jul 2024
Handel
7 to 18 Jul 2024
Smyth
8 to 19 Jul 2024
News & Articles
| Buxton International Festival announces 2023 season |
The opening operatic production will be Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” with Adrian Kelly conducting. Harry Fehr will direct the Bel Canto masterpiece. |
| 22 Nov 2022 / OperaWire |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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