| Edinburgh International Festival - Edinburgh | 3 June 2020 |
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Götterdämmerung
Breaking the Waves
Siegfried
Il barbiere di Siviglia
Macbeth
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Eugene OneginEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Le Komische Oper de Berlin ébranle Edimbourg avec Eugene Onegin |
 3 Sep 19 / Classique c'est cool! |
The night belonged to the Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian |
| 25 Aug 19 / The Observer |
Phénoménale Asmik Grigorian |
| 21 Aug 19 / Forum Opéra |
more reviews [+]
Michael Nagy's Onegin dominates the second cast |
| 19 Aug 19 / The Opera Critic |
Grigorian's riveting Tatyana steals the show |
| 17 Aug 19 / The Guardian |
A warmly observed, humane Eugene Onegin in Edinburgh |
| 17 Aug 19 / Seen and Heard |
Asmik Grigorian wows as Tatyana in Komische Oper Eugene Onegin in Edinburgh |
| 17 Aug 19 / Bachtrack |
An unforgettable staging |
| 17 Aug 19 / Telegraph |
This production is as good as opera gets |
| 17 Aug 19 / The Herald |
West Side StoryEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A Edimbourg, John Eliot Gardiner dirige West Side Story! |
| 31 Aug 19 / Classique c'est cool! |
Adieu Kiri, adieu José |
| 12 Aug 19 / Forum Opéra |
A quite unforgettable experience |
| 8 Aug 19 / The Herald |
more reviews [+]
Finger-clicking good |
| 7 Aug 19 / The Opera Critic |
Bernstein's musical is out of step in concert hall |
| 7 Aug 19 / The Guardian |
The SCO were as raunchily tuned into the Latin American pizzazz as they were meltingly sensuous |
| 7 Aug 19 / The Scotsman |
GötterdämmerungEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A triumphant end to the Festival's concert Ring |
| 29 Aug 19 / The Opera Critic |
A truly fabulous end to the Edinburgh International Festival’s Ring |
| 29 Aug 19 / Bachtrack |
Together with the pungency of the RCS Voices, this was a cast to die for |
| 27 Aug 19 / The Scotsman |
more reviews [+]
Christine Goerke proves that she is mistress of Wagner's music |
| 27 Aug 19 / Telegraph |
Outstanding end to festival's mighty Ring cycle |
| 27 Aug 19 / The Guardian |
Andrew Davis’s Götterdämmerung ends the 2019 Edinburgh Festival in a blaze of glory |
| 27 Aug 19 / Seen and Heard |
Manon LescautEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Sondra Radvanovsky shines as the tragic heroine, Manon Lescaut |
| 26 Aug 19 / The Opera Critic |
Deutsche Oper Berlin’s Manon Lescaut was pretty darn good in Edinburgh |
| 24 Aug 19 / Seen and Heard |
Breaking the WavesEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Missy Mazzoli’s opera based on Lars von Trier’s film triumphs in its European premiere |
| 25 Aug 19 / The Observer |
Von Trier's bleak drama feels lost in translation |
| 23 Aug 19 / The Guardian |
Troubling opera based on Lars von Trier’s film |
| 23 Aug 19 / The Stage |
more reviews [+]
Mazzoli’s luminous Breaking the Waves receives European premiere in Edinburgh |
| 23 Aug 19 / Bachtrack |
A ponderous new opera from Missy Mazzoli |
| 23 Aug 19 / The Opera Critic |
In Edinburgh Breaking the Waves restores faith in opera as an art form |
| 22 Aug 19 / Seen and Heard |
associated articles [+]
Missy Mazzoli: 'Breaking the Waves' deals with big ideas
Adapting Lars von Trier’s provocative 1996 film about faith and loyalty in an insular Scottish community was the first challenge. Bringing it to Scotland is the next.
Adapting Lars von Trier’s provocative 1996 film about faith and loyalty in an insular Scottish community was the first challenge. Bringing it to Scotland is the next.
Orfeo ed EuridiceEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Iestyn Davies and Sophie Bevan seductive in Orfeo ed Euridice |
| 17 Aug 19 / The Opera Critic |
Gluck’s music was the star attraction |
| 17 Aug 19 / The Scotsman |
La CenerentolaEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 9 | |
El Festival Internacional de Edimburgo pone a sobre las tablas a La Cenerentola más feminista |
| 5 Sep 18 / Opera World (Spanish) |
It proved difficult to resist a panto version of Rossini’s Cinderella |
| 2 Sep 18 / The Observer |
An impeccably sung production |
| 1 Sep 18 / The Stage |
more reviews [+]
Opera de Lyon will leave you giggling like a schoolgirl |
| 27 Aug 18 / The Herald |
Comic direction to savour from Stefan Herheim |
| 27 Aug 18 / Bachtrack |
A superb yet gloriously silly production |
| 27 Aug 18 / The Opera Critic |
Cinderella has a ball with exuberant panto kitsch |
| 27 Aug 18 / The Guardian |
Park your hierarchical concerns in the foyer and enjoy this production as a jolly tale that delivers some good laughs |
| 27 Aug 18 / The Times |
A surrealist romp with shades of Monty Python |
| 26 Aug 18 / Telegraph |
associated articles [+]
Q & A: Mezzo Michèle Losier
On her first Rossini role and Edinburgh Festival.
On her first Rossini role and Edinburgh Festival.
The Beggar's OperaEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 11 | |
Robert Carsen encuentra el equilibrio en Edimburgo |
| 29 Aug 18 / Opera World (Spanish) |
A Beggar’s Opera that beggars belief in Edinburgh |
| 23 Aug 18 / The Spectator |
Baroque meets jukebox musical in a wryly topical Beggar’s Opera at EIF |
| 21 Aug 18 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Kaleidoscopically multi-layered, with cultural references that effortlessly span over three centuries |
| 19 Aug 18 / The Herald |
The production harbours a brilliance which is untameable but definitely refreshing |
| 19 Aug 18 / The Edinburgh Reporter |
No matter how many lines of coke are snorted or expletives spat out, there’s no real sting in this Beggar for the Brexit era |
| 18 Aug 18 / The Times |
Seriously out of touch |
| 18 Aug 18 / The Stage |
The original jukebox musical reimagined |
| 18 Aug 18 / The Guardian |
A scabrous, virulent, gleefully profane production |
| 18 Aug 18 / Telegraph |
A high-energy show |
| 17 Aug 18 / The Opera Critic |
Catch The Beggar’s Opera at the EIF if you can |
| 17 Aug 18 / Seen and Heard |
associated articles [+]
A Beggar's Opera for our times
John Gay’s 18th century satire is a work whose essential remit is to confront the uncomfortable. How is Robert Carsen’s take dealing with the homeless crisis, Brexit and the #metoo movement?
John Gay’s 18th century satire is a work whose essential remit is to confront the uncomfortable. How is Robert Carsen’s take dealing with the homeless crisis, Brexit and the #metoo movement?
Interview: Robert Carsen
Almost three centuries on from its creation, The Beggar’s Opera is still as relevant, meaningful and adaptable as ever.
Almost three centuries on from its creation, The Beggar’s Opera is still as relevant, meaningful and adaptable as ever.
Hansel und GretelEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
An atmospheric concert version of Hansel und Gretel |
| 17 Aug 18 / The Opera Critic |
It was Thomas Blondelle who nearly stole the show as the Witch |
| 17 Aug 18 / The Herald |
SiegfriedEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Sir Mark Elder brings a lifetime of Wagner experience to Hallé’s EIF Siegfried |
| 10 Aug 18 / Seen and Heard |
The singing cast was as full of star turns |
| 10 Aug 18 / The Herald |
The Hallé comes to the fore in a glorious Siegfried |
| 10 Aug 18 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
The Hallé are now playing with world-class finesse |
| 10 Aug 18 / Telegraph |
Il barbiere di SivigliaEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Stylish, but adrift from the real world |
| 9 Aug 18 / Telegraph |
Tales from the stave |
| 8 Aug 18 / Bachtrack |
A surreal, superficial show |
| 8 Aug 18 / The Times |
more reviews [+]
The virile energy of this performance mostly compensates for what is missing |
| 8 Aug 18 / The Scotsman |
Clever and playful |
| 8 Aug 18 / The Stage |
Despite a fussy staging, a lot about Théâtre des Champs-Élysées’s Barber works |
| 7 Aug 18 / Seen and Heard |
A warm-hearted and entertaining production |
| 7 Aug 18 / The Opera Critic |
Engaging Rossini revamp is a crowd-pleasing romp |
| 7 Aug 18 / The Guardian |
La bohèmeEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Triumphant love scenes and clever staging enhance a production that only shines on occasion |
| 30 Aug 17 / The Stage |
Puccini's melodies warm up the harsh urban setting |
| 28 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
A great show but these modern-day updates are getting tedious |
| 28 Aug 17 / Telegraph |
more reviews [+]
Ensemble work of the highest order |
| 28 Aug 17 / The Times |
MacbethEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 11 | |
Un exorcismo necesario |
| 30 Aug 17 / Opera World (Spanish) |
Teatro Regio’s festival Macbeth was inventive but incoherent |
| 27 Aug 17 / The Times |
Gianandrea Noseda and Turin’s Teatro Regio convey the full force of Verdi’s first Shakespeare opera |
| 26 Aug 17 / The Observer |
more reviews [+]
Striking but not always convincing |
| 23 Aug 17 / Financial Times (via Google) |
Opulent Turin Macbeth arrives at Edinburgh International Festival |
| 22 Aug 17 / Bachtrack |
Blessed with musical power but lacks detail |
| 22 Aug 17 / The Stage |
A musically satisfying spectacle |
| 22 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
Dalibor Jenis delivers a powerful performance in the title role |
| 22 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
The production is strong in choreography and invokes Grigorovich’s ballets |
| 21 Aug 17 / Classical Source |
High camp, dark drama and more than a hint of Game of Thrones |
| 20 Aug 17 / The Guardian |
Authentic Italian rawness and energy |
| 20 Aug 17 / Telegraph |
La Damnation de FaustEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Sir Mark Elder leads Hallé in sensational-sounding Faust |
| 22 Aug 17 / Seen and Heard |
A dramatic and engaging reading of Berlioz' Faust tale |
| 22 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
L'incoronazione di PoppeaEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
A Monteverdi journey ends with Poppea |
| 20 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
a magnificent conclusion to Gardiner’s celebratory Monteverdi opera trilogy |
| 20 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
Thrilling Poppea cements Gardiner’s greatness in epic Festival feat |
| 19 Aug 17 / Seen and Heard |
Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patriaEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
A very satisfying performance |
| 20 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
‘Sheer beauty’: Il Ritorno d’Ulisse is another triumph for Gardiner’s Monteverdi Trilogy |
| 19 Aug 17 / Seen and Heard |
Gardiner gathered together a superb line-up of singer |
| 18 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
L'OrfeoEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Gardiner’s ’fresh, dynamic’ L’Orfeo makes for a compellingly theatrical experience |
| 19 Aug 17 / Seen and Heard |
Monteverdi takes centre stage at the Edinburgh International Festival |
| 17 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
Krystian Adam was outstanding as an emotionally sensitive, and determined, Orfeo |
| 17 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
Peter GrimesEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A superb cast and huge forces thrill in Bergen Opera’s minimalist staging of Britten’s masterpiece |
| 19 Aug 17 / The Guardian |
Stuart Skelton is Peter Grimes at the Edinburgh International Festival |
| 17 Aug 17 / Seen and Heard |
The night belonged to Stuart Skelton as Peter Grimes |
| 17 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Edward Gardner and the Bergen Phil storm the Edinburgh Festival with a powerful Peter Grimes |
| 16 Aug 17 / Bachtrack |
Another glorious triumph |
| 16 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
A tumultuous reception for Britten’s masterpiece |
| 15 Aug 17 / Telegraph |
Die WalküreEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 7 | |
RSNO need no set to light Valkyrie’s fire |
| 14 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
Memorable and epic Die Walküre at Edinburgh International Festival |
| 9 Aug 17 / Bachtrack |
Wagner en terres anglophones |
| 9 Aug 17 / Forum Opéra |
more reviews [+]
Bryn Terfel’s capacity as Wotan continues to be admirable |
| 9 Aug 17 / Classical Source |
Terfel’s complex Wotan evoked the spirit of Shakespeare’s King Lear |
| 8 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
A little magic in the air: Davis conducts the RSNO in a thrilling Die Walküre |
| 8 Aug 17 / Seen and Heard |
Quite a ride! |
| 8 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
GreekEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Alex Otterburn as the Oedipal Stuart, trying to escape from Fate and Tuffnell Park, was devastating and terrifying |
| 14 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
Cockney opera mixes the baleful and the banal |
| 8 Aug 17 / Financial Times (via Google) |
Who would have thought ketchup and beans could feature so garishly in an opera or symbolise so much? |
| 8 Aug 17 / Classical Source |
more reviews [+]
Bold and tacky |
| 8 Aug 17 / The Stage |
The real clincher in this production is Hill-Gibbons’ focus on psychology rather than epoch |
| 8 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
The evening belongs to Alex Otterburn's Eddy |
| 7 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
Re-unveiling of EIF’s past glory is mesmerising when it works |
| 7 Aug 17 / Telegraph |
Oedipus opera update as relevant and risque as ever |
| 7 Aug 17 / The Guardian |
For Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Alex Otterburn the central role of Eddy is a huge achievement |
| 6 Aug 17 / The Herald |
associated articles [+]
Opera director Joe Hill-Gibbins: How I got an Oepidus complex
The ancient myth speaks to us still, and, through the prism of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s hard-hitting opera Greek, the director of a new production found insights, strange beauty and football chants.
The ancient myth speaks to us still, and, through the prism of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s hard-hitting opera Greek, the director of a new production found insights, strange beauty and football chants.
Don GiovanniEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 4 | |
A stripped-down production in more ways than one |
| 12 Aug 17 / Telegraph |
The orchestra sets the scene brilliantly from Fischer’s first down beat |
| 11 Aug 17 / The Scotsman |
The devil is in the detail |
| 11 Aug 17 / The Opera Critic |
more reviews [+]
Ivan Fischer's singular vision leaves his singers in limbo |
| 11 Aug 17 / The Guardian |
Così fan tutteEdinburgh International FestivalNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Performances were strong across the board |
| 30 Aug 16 / The Arts Desk |
This production is uncomfortable and often unpleasant to watch |
| 28 Aug 16 / The Herald |
Mozart's frothy opera turns nasty |
| 27 Aug 16 / The Guardian |
more reviews [+]
Racial and sexual abuse should shock audiences, not the titillation |
| 27 Aug 16 / The Conversation |
Grown-up and intelligent |
| 27 Aug 16 / The Opera Critic |
This staging of Così fan tutte is a scandal – but not because of the nudity |
| 27 Aug 16 / Telegraph |
EIF’s Così fan tutte explores the opera’s darker side in an unsettling sexual manner |
| 27 Aug 16 / Seen and Heard |
Points made, but underlined in red: a superbly performed Edinburgh Così fan tutte – for adults |
| 27 Aug 16 / Bachtrack |
associated articles [+]
Another fight at the opera in Cosi Fan Tutte row over wages
The South African production of Mozart’s masterpiece Cosi Fan Tutte ran into further trouble when it transferred to France.
The South African production of Mozart’s masterpiece Cosi Fan Tutte ran into further trouble when it transferred to France.
Edinburgh Festival offers refunds before ‘extreme’ opera opens
The Edinburgh International Festival has taken the unprecedented step of offering refunds for one of its flagship operas before it is even staged in the city due to its extreme content.
The Edinburgh International Festival has taken the unprecedented step of offering refunds for one of its flagship operas before it is even staged in the city due to its extreme content.
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News & Articles
| Edinburgh International Festival cancelled |
The five festivals that take place over August - the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Book Festival, the Edinburgh Art Festival and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo - have all been cancelled. |
| 2 Apr 2020 / Edinburgh Guide |
| Edinburgh International Festival 2018: classical music and opera |
The opera programme features three staged productions across ten performances at the Festival Theatre and King’s Theatre, and two concert performances at the Usher Hall. |
| 15 Mar 2018 / Opera Now |
| What 70 years of the Edinburgh Festival has done for the arts |
Sir Rudolph Bing, co-founder and first director of the Edinburgh International Festival, once said: “The opera always loses money. That’s as it should be. Opera has no business making money.” |
| 5 Aug 2017 / The Conversation |
| EIF 2017 looks to a bright flowering of the human spirit |
The Edinburgh International Festival has announced the biggest programme of opera the Festival has mounted in many years. |
| 16 Mar 2017 / The Herald |
| Another fight at the opera in Cosi Fan Tutte row over wages |
The South African production of Mozart’s masterpiece Cosi Fan Tutte ran into further trouble when it transferred to France. |
| 28 Aug 2016 / Telegraph |
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