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Review of Fantasia Orchestra’s ‘Birdsong’: “Feathery repertoire soars across elated audience”
The group celebrated the launch of its Smith Square Hall residency with a diverse classical repertoire, including the London premiere of a new contemporary work. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the concert to let us know if its assortment of symphonic and operatic pieces hit the high notes. Sometimes the roughest starts can lead…
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Review of ‘That Bastard, Puccini!’: “Compelling premise fails to surpass its ‘tosco’ writing approach”
London’s Park Theatre hosts the return of James Iverne’s period play, exploring the rivalry between the legendary Italian composer and his reputed colleague, Ruggero Leoncavallo. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show — to let us know if it’s appealing enough for audiences not to require a nessun-dorma shout. Good artists copy, great artists…
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Review of ‘The Magic Flute’ (Greenwich Theatre 2025): “Unpolished reimagining of opera classic fails to stand as the queen of the night”
Mozart’s popular classic was reborn last week in the London scene — in a newly themed production put together by Opera Greenwich. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show — to let us know if this latest approach manages to enrapture audiences and build a marriage between the old and contemporary. I so vividly…
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Opera directors William Eley and Valeria Perboni talk upcoming new production of ‘The Magic Flute’: “We’re questioning whether what we know about good and bad characters is real”
The Greenwich Theatre hosts the world premiere of this modernized interpretation of Mozart’s masterpiece, bringing sci-fi elements into the narrative while also offering new perspectives to its themes. Guillermo Nazara chats with the creatives, to learn more about the development of the production and its papa-papa-papa-genesis. How does it feel to be bringing one of…
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Kirill Richter talks upcoming epic concert ‘The Sands of Time’: “It’s vital to make music that reflects people’s lives”
The internationally acclaimed piano virtuoso and composer returns to London for the British premiere of his latest epic concert, performed through a lavish montage playing at the Coliseum for one night only. Guillermo Nazara chats with the artist, to learn all the fun facts about a piece that goes beyond every sense and genre. How…
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Review of BBC Proms ‘Carmen’: “Destin d’amour”
The Glydebourne Festival production travels to the Royal Albert Hall for one night only, bringing the fervorous allure of Bizet’s score through a new, up-to-date vision. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this modernized take on the late Romantic masterpiece still manages to live up to its myth.…
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Review of ‘Mr. Punch at the Opera’: “You’ll get a kick, but still makes no good fist”
The 2024 edition of the Grimeborn Festival brings the classical genre closer to the youngest viewers, through this panto-style remake of Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this camp initiation to classical music made him change his tune. It’s not that often that you…
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Review of ‘The Fabulist’: “A tricky business”
The Charing Cross Theatre hosts the London premiere of this new operatic musical, setting new lyrics and storylines to Giovanni Paisello’s music. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this magic-themed re-writing of classical repertoire ended up putting a spell on him. Prestidigitator: “a type of illusionist characterised for…
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Review of ‘The Mongol Khan’: “The dragon is awakening”
Millenial history relives onstage through this lavish production depicting the folklore and myths of Mongolian culture. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to share all the details about this epic tale of love and betrayal. “A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see and who…
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Director Hero Baatar talks ‘The Mongol Khan’: “This show is inspired by our kings’ most precious secrets”
The London Coliseum prepares to welcome one of the most extravagant productions of its last season, in a show celebrating not only its West End premiere but also the friendship between Eastern and Western culture. Guillermo Nazara chats with its director, to learn more about this spectaculra piece inspired by three thousand years of history.…
