Looking Ahead: Classical and Opera in 2016
Christian Gerhaher, Simon Rattle, Le Fura dels Baus: we look ahead to the most exciting opera productions and classical concerts of 2016
OPERA
Pelleas and Melisande, Barbican Centre (9 – 10 Jan)
Conductor Sir Simon Rattle, Photo/Copyright: Thomas Rabsch
What better way to usher in the New Year than with Debussy’s shimmering operatic masterpiece? The Berlin Philharmonic’s Simon Rattle conducts the LSO and a cast that includes Gerald Finley, Magdalena Kozena and the world-conquering Christian Gerhaher. American maverick Peter Sellars directs.
Written on Skin, Barbican Centre (19 Mar)
Soprano Barbara Hannigan, Photo/Copyright: Elmer de Haas
When George Benjamin’s opera premiered at Aix-en-Provence in 2012, La Monde called it the best since Wozzeck, almost a century prior. As part of a weekend celebrating the composer, London audiences will finally have a chance to see what all the fuss was about. Superstar soprano Barbara Hannigan leads the cast in this one-off concert performance.
Oedipe, Royal Opera House (23 May – 8 Jun)
Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, Photo/Copyright: Peter Warren
Barcelona’s pioneering Le Fura dels Baus bring their spectacular international production of Georg Enescu’s masterful opera to Covent Garden, with bass-baritone Johan Reuter and mezzo Sarah Connolly in the lead roles.
Nabucco, Royal Opera House (6 – 30 Jun)
Placido Domingo in Nabucco, Photo/Copyright: Catherine Ashmore / ROH
In a year packed with tantalising revivals - Christian Gerhaher in Tannhauser, Angela Gheorghiu in Tosca, Bryn Terfel in Boris Godunov, Diana Damrau in Lucia di Lammermoor - this Nabucco might boast the most exciting performance of all. Daniele Abbado's mid-century production of Verdi’s Biblical breakthrough sees legendary tenor Placido Domingo (The Three Tenors) tackle the demanding baritone title role.
Tristan and Isolde, London Coliseum (9 Jun – 8 Jul)
Conductor Edward Gardner, Photo/Copyright: Ben Ealovega
Wagner’s masterpiece is always a hot ticket, but the English National Opera’s latest rendition looks to be something special. Beloved former music director Edward Gardner returns to conduct Daniel Kramer’s production, with the sculptor Anish Kapoor RA designing the sets.
CLASSICAL
Takacs Quartet, Wigmore Hall (1 & 3 Feb)
The Takács Quartet, Photo/Copyright: Ellen Appel
Since their foundation in 1975, the Takács Quartet have dazzled audiences with their pitch-perfect synchronicity and superior musicianship. In February, they visit Wigmore Hall for a diverse pair of recitals, spanning Haydn to Shostakovich. There can be few better ways to experience the intimate majesty of chamber music.
Magdalena Kozena and Le Cetra, Wigmore Hall (8 Mar)
Mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kozena, Photo/Copyright: Harald Hoffmann / Deutsche Grammophon
Magdalena Kozena’s appearance with husband Sir Simon Rattle might be long sold out, but Wigmore Hall are still offering several opportunities to see the scintillating mezzo-soprano. This Italian-themed concert, with Andrea Marcon’s Basel-based ensemble Le Cetra, looks the most compelling of all, spanning Monteverdi’s greatest madrigals and Luciano Berio’s modernist experiments.
Shakespeare at 400 Gala Concert, Royal Festival Hall (23 Apr 2016)
Tenor Iestyn Davies, Photo/Copyright: Ben Ealovega
On April 23rd, 1616, England lost its Bard. Four hundred years later, the Barbican and Southbank are both hosting a series of concerts to celebrate the playwright’s legacy. The season draws to a close with this startlingly diverse evening of Shakespeare-inspired classics. Vladmir Jurowski’s London Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by, among others, actor Simon Callow and soloists Iestyn Davies, Allison Bell and Simon Keenlyside.
Lief Ove Andsnes LSO Artist Spotlight, Barbican Centre (8 May – 10 Jun)
Pianist Lief Ove Andsnes, Photo/Copyright: Özgür Albayrak
The Norwegian pianist dazzled the BBC Proms 2015 with his Beethoven Piano Concerti cycle, and delighted audiences with his documentary on the composer. In 2016, he returns to London for four concerts around the Barbican, including a solo recital, two LSO appearances and a very special performance of Brahms’ three Piano Quartets accompanied by three other world-class soloists.
The Dark Mirror: Zender’s Winterreise, Barbican Centre (12 May – 14 May)
Tenor Ian Bostridge, Photo/Copyright: Ben Ealovega
Ian Bostridge’s 2015 performance of Schubert’s Winterreise captivated critics and audiences alike. For 2016, he is trying something a little different. The Dark Mirror is a theatrical adaptation of the song cycle, arranged for orchestra by Hans Zender and directed here by rising star Netia Jones. It should be an emotionally-wrenching delight.
