Instrument: Contralto

The compelling story of boxer Emile Griffith's struggles with guilt and sexuality are not ideally rendered in James Robinson's new production.

John Adams’ opera about Richard Nixon’s historic meeting with Mao Tse-Tung is performed with all round excellence, with a real find on the podium in the shape of Olivia Lee-Gunderman.

An opportunity to hear one of Respighi's operas in the UK is a real treat; the composer's take on Sleeping Beauty, La bella dormente nel bosco, is an ideal companion to to Ravel's  L'Enfant et les sortilèges in a terrific double bill at the Royal College of Music.

Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall bubbles with a concert staging of Puccini's Gianni Schicchi with Sir Byn Terfel leading a cast of fine young singers from the European Opera Centre.

Michael Volle headlines a deluxe revival of Verdi's Falstaff in this revival of Robert Carsen's popular production. 

Conductor Emeritus Zubin Mehta leads The Los Angeles Philharmonic in an unforgettable reading of Mahler's massive symphony, played with incredible virtuosity and led with remarkable assurance.

Under Dominic Wheeler’s expert baton the musicians, all youthful if not downright young, give a spectacular account of a harrowing score.