Critics' Question Time, Opera Holland Park, French Institute

Have we really ‘had enough of experts’? That's the question that Opera Holland Park asks when it brings together some of the leading, London-based national newspaper critics who talk about their role on first night.

Now that everyone can express an opinion online, do we need the views of those who have seen La Traviata or Tosca dozens of times? Can they view it through the same eyes as the paying, occasional, opera-goer? Does casting have to be 'realistic'?

Opera Holland Park's 2019 Un Ballo in Maschera received five-star reviews, including from Culture Whisper. Photo: Ali Wright

These are some of the issues addressed by familiar faces in the stalls, as well as Opera Holland Park’s own director of opera James Clutton, general director Michael Volpe, and research and repertoire consultant Anna Picard.

They are joined by Hugh Canning of the Sunday Times, who is also on the board of Opera magazine, Rupert Christiansen of the Daily Telegraph, who is also an author, Neil Fisher, deputy arts editor and music critic of The Times, Erica Jeal, deputy editor of Opera and a music critic at the Guardian, and John Allison, editor of Opera Magazine, author and music critic.

Erica Jeal of the Guardian is one of the critics explaining their role, for Opera Holland Park

This is the audience's chance to put the critics under the spotlight, while OHP company representatives explain the relationship between the musicians, director and team, and press.

Many on the London opera scene are lamenting the departure from OHP at the end of the 2020 season of Michael Volpe, who is retiring after incredible service bringing music to a wider public and raising the profile of the highly respected company. The Critics' Question Time will be a last chance to get to know this much-loved figure.

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Opera Holland Park 2020 runs from 2 June to 31 July. Public booking opens 10AM, Wed 26 Feb.