Leoš Janáček

The Cunning Little Vixen review – CBSO’s concert staging has care but misses vital charm

Elena Tsallagova was a feisty vixen and the CBSO’s playing under Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla was outstanding in a more matter-of-fact interpretation of Janáček’s opera than one normally hears

Andrew Clements

17, Nov, 2021 @6:28 PM

ROH: Jenůfa review – Mattila is formidable in new Janaček staging

Claus Guth’s symbolism-heavy production is at its best when simplest. Asmik Grigorian and Karita Mattila are a strong pairing and conductor Henrik Nánási has the measure of the score

Tim Ashley

29, Sep, 2021 @11:46 AM

The Cunning Little Vixen review – small scale but big impact for warm and witty staging

Janáček’s opera about the interconnectedness of humans and nature weaves its magic in Stephen Barlow’s new production, with Grant Doyle and Jennifer France both convincing leads

Erica Jeal

14, Jul, 2021 @1:25 PM

Kát’a Kabanová review – festival opens with sideways rain and raw, stunning Janáček

The bleakness of the May weather suited this stark new production by Damiano Michieletto, which was superbly sung and exquisitely played by the LPO under Robin Ticciati

Flora Willson

21, May, 2021 @3:09 PM

From Vivaldi to Vaughan Williams: more musical voices who have changed our world

Over the past few months, our Know the Score series introduced 20 great composers. But what of the many we couldn’t write about? Martin Kettle suggests some other names whose music is well worth exploring

Martin Kettle

25, Nov, 2020 @1:36 PM

First night of the Proms review – the moon, and female stars

Zosha Di Castri’s evocative tribute to the Apollo moon landing led an opening night that, under the baton of Karina Canellakis, felt subtly like an upward leap

Erica Jeal

21, Jul, 2019 @10:22 AM

Katya Kabanova: from a muse to a monstrous mother-in-law

Three separate productions of Janáček’s tragedy are in UK opera houses this season. What is it about this work that makes it resonate still in today’s world?

Jan Smaczny

07, Feb, 2019 @5:58 PM

The week in classical: From the House of the Dead; A Midsummer Night’s Dream – review

Royal Opera’s take on Janáček’s brutal work dazzles – plus a double helping of Titania, Bottom and friends

Fiona Maddocks

11, Mar, 2018 @7:59 AM

From the House of the Dead review – formidable performances humanise Janáček's vision of hell

If Krzysztof Warlikowski’s staging loses focus at points, outstanding performances and Mark Wigglesworth’s conducting ensure this is a compelling evening

Tim Ashley

08, Mar, 2018 @2:27 PM

From the House of the Dead shines a light into darkness

Janáček’s final opera is peopled with aggressive and unpleasant characters, but the beauty of its music speaks powerfully of the need for empathy and understanding, says the conductor of a new production

Mark Wigglesworth

07, Mar, 2018 @12:54 PM

BBCSO/Gardner review – a thrilling show of ferocity and feistiness

Edward Gardner dug deeper into Janáček, while violinist Tasmin Little explored the languid lyricism of Szymanowski