6 April 2016 at 9.57am | 118 Comments
Casting correct at time of publishing (6 April 2016)
Find out more about the full Autumn Season and book tickets here
Norma NEW (12 September–8 October 2016)
Vincenzo Bellini
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Director: Àlex Ollé
Antonio Pappano conducts a new production of Bellini’s operatic masterpiece, directed by Àlex Ollé of La Fura dels Baus.
Norma – To be announced
Pollione – Joseph Calleja
Adalgisa – Sonia Ganassi
Oroveso – Brindley Sherratt
Flavio – David Junghoon Kim
Clotilde – Vlada Borovko
Live cinema relay: 26 September 2016
Il barbiere di Siviglia (13 September–11 October 2016)
Gioachino Rossini
Conductor: Henrik Nánási
Director: Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier
Henrik Nánási conducts a cast including Javier Camarena, Daniela Mack and Vito Priante in this revival of The Royal Opera’s sparkling production of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.
Rosina – Daniela Mack
Count Almaviva – Javier Camarena
Figaro – Vito Priante (Sept) / Florian Sempey (Oct)
Doctor Bartolo – José Fardilha
Don Basilio – Ferruccio Furlanetto (Sept) / Carlo Lepore (Oct)
Berta – Madeleine Pierard
Fiorello – Gyula Nagy
Così fan tutte NEW (22 September–19 October 2016)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conductor: Semyon Bychkov (except 19 Oct) / Paul Wynne Griffiths (19 Oct)
Director: Jan Philipp Gloger
Semyon Bychkov conducts a cast of young and up-and-coming talent including American soprano Corinne Winters in a new production of Mozart and Da Ponte’s opera on the nature of love.
Fiordiligi – Corinne Winters
Dorabella – Angela Brower
Ferrando – Daniel Behle
Guglielmo – Alessio Arduini
Don Alfonso – Johannes Martin Kränzle
Despina – Sabina Puértolas
Live cinema relay: 17 October 2016
Meet the Young Artists Week (St Clement Danes)
The annual Meet the Young Artists Week gives audiences a chance to meet the new intake of the stars of tomorrow, and hear them perform with those continuing for their second season.
Monday lunchtime recital – 3 October at 1pm
Vlada Borovko, Francesca Chiejina, Jennifer Davis, Emily Edmonds, Angela Simkin, Thomas Atkins, David Junghoon Kim, Gyula Nagy and Simon Shibambu perform operatic arias and ensembles, accompanied by David Gowland, Nick Fletcher and James Hendry.
Tuesday lunchtime recital – 4 October at 1.30pm
Francesca Chiejina and Thomas Atkins perform art songs, accompanied by David Gowland.
Director’s workshop – 6 October at 1pm
Gerard Jones works with Angela Simkin, Gyula Nagy and Simon Shibambu on Handel’s Oreste, which the Programme will present at Wilton’s Music Hall in November.
Juke Box – 9 October at 12.30pm and 6pm
Two separate events presented by all the available Young Artists: the audience at the lunchtime session choose the repertory for the evening recital, followed by an opportunity to meet the Young Artists over a glass of wine.
A Man of Good Hope (Young Vic) (6 October–12 November 2016)
Based on the book by Jonny Steinberg, adapted by Isango Ensemble
Conductor: Mandisi Dyantyis
Director: Mark Dornford-May
Award-winning South African theatre company Isango Ensemble tell the true story of a young refugee’s journey through Africa, based on the book by Jonny Steinberg.
Noluthando Boqwana, Ayanda Eleki, Zamile Gantana, Sifiso Lupuzi, Pauline Malefane, Bongiwe Mapassa, Zanele Mbatha, Katlego Mmusi, Zoleka Mpotsha, Busisiwe Ngejane, Sonwabo Ntshata, Luvo Rasemeni, Masakane Sotayisi, Luvo Tamba, Ayanda Tikolo
The Nose NEW (20 October–9 November 2016)
Dmitry Shostakovich / New English translation David Pountney
Conductor: Ingo Metzmacher
Director: Barrie Kosky
Barrie Kosky makes his Royal Opera debut with a new production of Shostakovich’s surrealist satire, conducted by Ingo Metzmacher and translated by David Pountney.
Platon Kuzmitch Kovalev – Martin Winkler
Ivan Iakolevitch/Clerk/Doctor – John Tomlinson
Osipovna/Pretzel Seller – Rosie Aldridge
The Nose – Alexander Lewis
District Inspector – Alexander Kravets
Old Lady – Susan Bickley
Iaryzhkin – Peter Bronder
Pelageya Podtotschina – Helene Schneiderman
Podtotschina’s daughter – Ailish Tynan
Ivan – Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke
Ensemble – Daniel Auchincloss, Paul Carey Jones, Alasdair Elliott, Alan Ewing, Hubert Francis, Sion Goronwy, Njabulo Madlala, Charbel Mattar, Samuel Sakker, Michael J. Scott, Nicholas Sharratt, David Shipley, Jeremy White, Simon Wilding and Yuriy Yurchuk
Les Contes d’Hoffmann (7 November–3 December 2016)
Jacques Offenbach
Conductor: Evelino Pidò
Director: John Schlesinger
Vittorio Grigolo and Leonardo Capalbo share the title role and lead an excellent cast including Thomas Hampson, Sonya Yoncheva, Christine Rice and Sofia Fomina in Offenbach’s fantastical operatic drama The Tales of Hoffmann.
Hoffmann – Vittorio Grigolo (except 28 Nov, 3 Dec) / Leonardo Capalbo (28 Nov, 3 Dec)
Four Villains – Thomas Hampson
Olympia – Sofia Fomina
Giulietta – Christine Rice
Antonia – Sonya Yoncheva
Nicklausse – Kate Lindsey
Spalanzani – Christophe Mortagne
Crespel – Eric Halfvarson
Four Servants – Vincent Ordonneau
Spirit of Antonia’s Mother – Catherine Carby
Nathanael – David Junghoon Kim
Hermann – Charles Rice
Schlemil – Yuriy Yurchuk
Luther – Jeremy White
Live cinema relay: 15 November 2016
Oreste NEW (Wilton’s Music Hall) (8 November–19 November 2016)
George Frideric Handel
Conductor: James Hendry
Director: Gerard Jones
Southbank Sinfonia
Continuo: Nick Fletcher
See the Jette Parker Young Artists in a blackly comic production of Handel’s masterful pasticcio, in the atmospheric setting of Wilton’s Music Hall.
Ermione – Vlada Borovko
Ifigenia – Jennifer Davis
Oreste – Angela Simkin
Pilade – Thomas Atkins
Filotete – Gyula Nagy
Toante – Simon Shibambu
Manon Lescaut (22 November–12 December 2016)
Giacomo Puccini
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Director: Jonathan Kent
Antonio Pappano conducts Sondra Radvanovsky and Aleksandrs Antonenko in the first revival of Jonathan Kent’s thought-provoking production of Puccini’s first operatic triumph.
Manon Lescaut – Sondra Radvanovsky
Chevalier Des Grieux – Aleksandrs Antonenko
Lescaut – Levente Molnár
Geronte di Revoir – Eric Halfvarson
Edmondo – Luis Gomes
Dancing Master – Aled Hall
Singer – Emily Edmonds
Lamplighter – David Junghoon Kim
Sergeant – David Shipley
Naval Captain – Nicholas Crawley
Il trovatore (4 December 2016–9 February 2017)
Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor: Richard Farnes
Director: David Bösch
The first revival of David Bösch’s new production for The Royal Opera, with two casts including Maria Agresta, Roberto Alagna, Lianna Haroutounian, Anita Rachvelishvili and Dmitri Hvorostovsky.
Leonora – Maria Agresta (Dec) / Lianna Haroutounian (Jan, Feb)
Manrico – Roberto Alagna (Dec) / Gregory Kunde (Jan, Feb)
Count di Luna – Quinn Kelsey (Dec) / Dmitri Hvorostovsky (Jan, Feb)
Azucena – Anita Rachvelishvili
Ferrando – Gábor Bretz (Dec) / Alexander Tsymbalyuk (Jan, Feb)
Inez – Jennifer Davis (Dec) / Francesca Chiejina (Jan, Feb)
Ruiz – David Junghoon Kim (Dec) / Samuel Sakker (Jan, Feb)
Live cinema relay: 31 January 2017
Der Rosenkavalier NEW (17 December 2016–24 January 2017)
Richard Strauss
Conductor: Andris Nelsons
Director: Robert Carsen
Andris Nelsons conducts two starry casts including Renée Fleming, Alice Coote and Rachel Willis-Sørensen in Robert Carsen’s new production of Richard Strauss’s charming operatic comedy.
Marschallin – Renée Fleming (17, 20 Dec, 8, 11, 14 Jan) / Rachel Willis-Sørensen (22 Dec, 17, 24 Jan)
Octavian – Alice Coote (17, 20 Dec, 8, 11, 14 Jan) / Anna Stéphany (22 Dec, 17, 24 Jan)
Sophie von Faninal – Sophie Bevan
Baron Ochs – Matthew Rose
Faninal – Jochen Schmeckenbecher
Valzacchi – Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke
Annina – Helene Schneiderman (except 8, 11, 14 Jan) / Angela Simkin (8, 11, 14 Jan)
Italian Singer – Giorgio Berrugi
Marschallin’s Major Domo – Samuel Sakker
Faninal’s Major Domo – Thomas Atkins
Marianne – Miranda Keys
Inn Keeper – Alasdair Elliot
Police Inspector – Scott Conner
Notary – Jeremy White
Written on Skin (13–30 January 2017)
George Benjamin
Conductor: George Benjamin
Director: Katie Mitchell
George Benjamin conducts a superb cast in The Royal Opera’s first revival of his and Martin Crimp’s highly acclaimed opera– an unmissable event in contemporary music.
The Protector – Christopher Purves
Agnès – Barbara Hannigan (13, 23, 30 Jan) / Georgia Jarman (18, 27 Jan)
Angel 1/The Boy – Iestyn Davies
Angel 2/Marie – Victoria Simmonds
Angel 3/John – Mark Padmore
La traviata (16 January–4 July 2017)
Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor: Daniele Rustioni (Jan, Feb) / Maurizio Benini (Jun) / Christopher Willis (Jul)
Director: Richard Eyre
Joyce El-Khoury, Ekaterina Bakanova and Corinne Winters lead three excellent casts in Richard Eyre’s much-loved production of Verdi’s most famous opera.
Violetta Valéry – Joyce El-Khoury (Jan, Feb) / Ekaterina Bakanova (14, 17, 20, 23, 25 Jun) / Corinne Winters (27, 30 Jun, 4 Jul)
Alfredo Germont – Sergey Romanovsky (16, 19, 25 Jan, 1 Feb) / Liparit Avetisyan (28 Jan) / Atalla Ayan (Jun, Jul)
Giorgio Germont – Artur Ruciński (Jan, Feb) / Nicola Alaimo (14, 17, 20, 23, 25 Jun) / George Petean (27, 30 Jun, 4 Jul)
Annina – Elizabeth Sikora (Jan, Feb) / Sarah Pring (Jun, Jul)
Flora Bervoix – Angela Simkin
Baron Douphol – Yuriy Yurchuk (Jan, Feb) / Gyula Nagy (Jun, Jul)
Doctor Grenvil – David Shipley
Gastone de Letorières – David Junghoon Kim (Jan, Feb) / Samuel Sakker (Jun, Jul)
Marquis d’Obigny – Jeremy White
Giuseppe – Neil Gillespie
Servant – Michael Lessiter
BP Big Screen: 4 July 2017
Adriana Lecouvreur (7 February–2 March 2017)
Francesco Cilea
Conductor: Daniel Oren
Director: David McVicar
Angela Gheorghiu and Hrachuhi Bassenz star in the first revival of David McVicar’s sumptuous production of Cilea’s tragic opera.
Adriana Lecouvreur – Angela Gheorghiu (except 21 Feb, 2 Mar) / Hrachuhi Bassenz (21 Feb, 2 Mar)
Maurizio – Brian Jagde
Abbé di Chazeuil – Krystian Adam
Princesse de Bouillon – Ksenia Dudnikova
Prince de Bouillon – Bálint Szabó
Michonnet – Gerald Finley (except 27 Feb; 2 Mar) / Alessandro Corbelli (27 Feb; 2 Mar)
Mlle Jouvenot – Vlada Borovko
Mlle Dangeville – Angela Simkin
Poisson – Thomas Atkins
Quinault – Simon Shibambu
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg NEW (11–31 March 2017)
Richard Wagner
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Director: Kasper Holten
Kasper Holten makes his farewell as The Royal Opera’s Director of Opera with Wagner’s comic opera, conducted by Antonio Pappano and starring Bryn Terfel.
Hans Sachs – Bryn Terfel
Walther von Stolzing – Gwyn Hughes Jones
Eva – Rachel Willis-Sørensen
Sixtus Beckmesser – Johannes Martin Kränzle
Veit Pogner – Stephen Milling
David – Allan Clayton
Magdalene – Hanna Hipp
Fritz Kothner – Sebastian Holecek
Kunz Vogelgesang – Andrew Tortise
Balthazar Zorn – Alasdair Elliott
Konrad Nachtigall – Gyula Nagy
Ulrich Eisslinger – Samuel Sakker
Augustin Moser – David Junghoon Kim
Hermann Ortel – John Cunningham
Hans Schwarz – Jeremy White
Hans Foltz – Brian Bannatyne-Scott
Nightwatchman – David Shipley
Madama Butterfly (23 March–25 April 2017)
Giacomo Puccini
Conductor: Antonio Pappano (Mar, 4, 7, 10 Apr) / Renato Balsadonna (13, 17, 20, 22, 25 Apr)
Directors: Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier
Antonio Pappano and Renato Balsadonna conduct two great casts led by Ermonela Jaho and Ana María Martínez in Puccini’s deeply poignant opera.
Cio-Cio-San – Ermonela Jaho (Mar, 4, 7, 10 Apr) / Ana María Martínez (13, 17, 20, 22, 25 Apr)
Pinkerton – Marcelo Puente (Mar, 4, 7, 10 Apr) / Teodor Ilincai (13, 17, 20, 22, 25 Apr)
Sharpless – Scott Hendricks
Goro – Carlo Bosi
Suzuki – Elizabeth DeShong
Bonze – Jeremy White
Kate Pinkerton – Emily Edmonds
Imperial Commissioner – Gyula Nagy
Prince Yamadori – Yuriy Yurchuk
Live cinema relay: 30 March 2017
The Exterminating Angel NEW (24 April–8 May 2017)
Thomas Adès
Conductor: Thomas Adès
Director: Tom Cairns
Thomas Adès conducts a huge ensemble cast of world-class singers in the UK premiere of his latest opera, inspired by Luis Buñuel’s iconic film.
Leonora – Anne Sofie von Otter
Blanca – Christine Rice
Nobile – Charles Workman
Lucia – Amanda Echalaz
Raúl – Frédéric Antoun
Doctor – John Tomlinson
Roc – Thomas Allen
Francisco – Iestyn Davies
Eduardo – Ed Lyon
Leticia – Audrey Luna
Silvia – Sally Matthews
Beatriz – Sophie Bevan
Lucas – Hubert Francis
Enrique – Samuel Sakker
Seńor Russell – Sten Byriel
Colonel – David Adam Moore
Julio – Morgan Moody
Pablo – James Cleverton
Meni – Elizabeth Atherton
Camila – Anne Marie Gibbons
Don Carlo (12 May–29 May 2017)
Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor: Bertrand de Billy
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Bertrand de Billy conducts a cast led by Bryan Hymel and Krassimira Stoyanova in Nicholas Hytner’s acclaimed production of Verdi’s opera on love, ambition and intrigue in 16th-century Spain.
Don Carlo – Bryan Hymel
Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa – Ludovic Tézier
Elizabeth of Valois – Krassimira Stoyanova
King Philip II – Ildar Abdrazakov
Princess Eboli – Ekaterina Semenchuk
Grand Inquisitor – Paata Burchuladze
Frate – Andrea Mastroni
Voice from Heaven – Francesca Chiejina
Tebaldo – Emily Edmonds
Count of Lerma – David Junghoon Kim
Flemish Deputies – James Cleverton, Gyula Nagy, Simon Shibambu, David Shipley and Yuriy Yurchuk
Sukanya (May 2017)
The iconic Indian musician Ravi Shankar is celebrated in a major new touring project, a co-production between The Royal Opera and London Philharmonic Orchestra in association with Curve Theatre, Leicester. More details to be announced in due course.
L’elisir d’amore (27 May–22 June 2017)
Gaetano Donizetti
Conductor: Bertrand de Billy
Director: Laurent Pelly
Laurent Pelly’s sunny production of Donizetti’s joyous opera returns with two world-class casts, led by Pretty Yende and Rolando Villazón, and Aleksandra Kurzak and Roberto Alagna.
Adina – Pretty Yende (May, 3, 6, 11 Jun) / Aleksandra Kurzak (13, 16, 19, 22 Jun)
Nemorino – Rolando Villazón (May, 3, 6 Jun) / Ivan Magrì (11 Jun) / Roberto Alagna (13, 16, 19, 22 Jun)
Dulcamara – Alex Esposito
Belcore – Paolo Bordogna (May, 3, 6, 11 Jun) / Adam Plachetka (13, 16, 19, 22 Jun)
Giannetta – Vlada Borovko
Otello NEW (21 June–15 July 2017)
Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Director: Keith Warner
Antonio Pappano conducts a new production of Verdi’s thrilling Shakespeare-inspired opera directed by Keith Warner, starring Jonas Kaufmann and Gregory Kunde in the title role.
Otello – Jonas Kaufmann (21, 24, 28 Jun, 2, 6, 10 Jul) / Gregory Kunde (8, 12, 15 Jul)
Desdemona – Maria Agresta (21, 24, 28 Jun, 2, 6, 10 Jul) / Dorothea Röschmann (8, 12, 15 Jul)
Iago – Ludovic Tézier (21, 24, 28 Jun, 2, 6, 10 Jul) / Željko Lučić (8, 12, 15 Jul)
Cassio – Frédéric Antoun
Roderigo – Thomas Atkins
Emilia – Kai Rüütel
Montano – Simon Shibambu
Lodovico – In Sung Sim
Live cinema relay: 28 June 2017
Mitridate, re di Ponto (26 June–7 July 2017)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conductor: Christophe Rousset
Director: Graham Vick
Christophe Rousset conducts an excellent cast including Albina Shagimuratova, Bejun Mehta, Lucy Crowe and Michael Spyres in Graham Vick’s acclaimed production of Mozart’s early opera.
Mitridate – Michael Spyres
Aspasia – Albina Shagimuratova
Farnace – Bejun Mehta
Ismene – Lucy Crowe
Marzio – Andrew Tortise
Sifare – Anett Fritsch
Arbate – Jennifer Davis
Turandot (5 July–16 July 2017)
Giacomo Puccini
Conductor: Dan Ettinger
Dir: Andrei Serban
Christine Goerke and Lise Lindstrom take the title role in Andrei Serban’s striking staging of Puccini’s final opera.
Turandot – Christine Goerke (5, 9, 12, 15 Jul) / Lise Lindstrom (8, 11, 14, 16 Jul)
Calaf – Aleksandrs Antonenko (5, 9, 12, 15 Jul) / Roberto Alagna (8, 11, 14 Jul) / Alfred Kim (16 Jul)
Liù – Dinara Alieva (5, 9, 12, 15 Jul) / Aleksandra Kurzak (8, 11, 14, 16 Jul)
Timur – In Sung Sim (5, 9, 12, 15 Jul) / Brindley Sherratt (8, 11, 14, 16 Jul)
Ping – Michel de Souza (5, 9, 12, 15 Jul) / Zheng Zhong Zhou (8, 11, 14, 16 Jul)
Pang – Aled Hall (5, 9, 12, 15 Jul) / Samuel Sakker (8, 11, 14, 16 Jul)
Pong – Pavel Petrov (5, 9, 12, 15 Jul) / David Junghoon Kim (8, 11, 14, 16 Jul)
Emperor Altoum – Robin Leggate
Mandarin – Yuriy Yurchuk
Questo è il fin: Jette Parker Young Artists Summer Performance (16 July 2017)
Conductors: David Syrus, James Hendry and Matthew Scott Rogers
Director: Gerard Jones
The annual summer showcase given by the Jette Parker Young Artists is an unmissable highlight for anyone interested in the work of some of the most talented emerging performers on the operatic stage.
Sopranos – Vlada Borovko, Francesca Chiejina, Jennifer Davis
Mezzo-sopranos – Emily Edmonds, Angela Simkin
Tenors – Thomas Atkins, David Junghoon Kim
Baritone – Gyula Nagy
Basses – Simon Shibambu, David Shipley
The Merchant of Venice NEW (Welsh National Opera) (19–20 July 2017)
André Tchaikowsky
Conductor: Lionel Friend
Director: Keith Warner
André Tchaikowsky’s Shakespeare-inspired opera is an important rediscovery in 20th-century opera and receives its London premiere in Welsh National Opera’s production, directed by Keith Warner
Shylock – Lester Lynch
Antonio – Martin Wölfel
Lorenzo – Bruce Sledge
Duke of Venice – Miklós Sebestyén
Bassanio – Mark Le Brocq
Solanio – Gary Griffiths
Gratiano – David Stout
Jessica – Lauren Michelle
Portia – Sarah Castle
Nerissa – Verena Gunz
6 April 2016 at 9.57am
This article has been categorised Music, Opera and tagged 2016-17, 2016/17, 2016/17 Season, announcement, booking announcement, Music, opera, season announcement
This article has 118 comments
Norma with a not belcantista prima donna . Wow. That is interesting! Good luck!
You're complaining about the most famous singer in the opera world today making her role debut?
If you have followed Netrebko's career, you will know that she has moved well beyond 'bellcanto' as her voice has gained depth. She truly is amazing and one of the top sopranos today.
Are you a belcantist? ☺
An incredible season full of brilliant choices of works and singers- very very excited for Netrebko, Kauffman, Ermonela Jaho & written on skin. Lord, I'm going to be so poor next year...
Sammy, I love Netrebko but her rendition of pure belcanto roles is not perfect. And Norma, is a monstre title, which requires a truly belcanto specialist.
Maria, I have followed Netrebko, and as I was very much doubting about her Anna Bolena, which underlined her not perfect coloratura, I am doubting about her Norma, which is even a harder role. That said, let's see.
I agree. I was not impressed with her Lucia at the Met several years ago.
Hard to imagine Kaufmann as Otello. Maybe my favorite opera and love Jonas' singing. Should be interesting.
Very excited about the new season.
Highlight for me will be Otello , would also like see Norma. Can't wait !
The dates listed next to the singers for Otello do not match up with the dates listed for the performances.
Hi Vivienne,
Thanks for your comment. I think the dates should be correct – could you let us know if you still there's a problem?
All best,
Rachel
Excited about the new season!
However, Norma with Angela Gheorghiu would have been a much much better choice!!
She recorded a Belcanto arias CD some years ago, which was not very much needed, though. ;)
Oh no it wouldn't! Whatever one might think of Netrebko in bel canto roles, at least you'll be able to hear her.
Yep, I think Angela Gheorghiu is a much better Norma.
yesssssssssssssss.ANGELA its NORMA,NETREBKO will be just the shadow,but the games with the casts are always complicated for people with personal interests and sympaties.
No way. Gheorghiu probably won't even turn up. Thankfully there is also the excellent Ms Bassenz cast as Adriana Lecouvreur should there be a no-show from Gheorghiu, who has just pulled out of her own recital at Royal Festival Hall this month.
What a dismal lot: FOUR works by the tedious Verdi, lots of crowd-pleasing stuff and only one Wagner, an apparently new production by the awful Kaspar Holten, who will no doubt do his nicest to screw up Die Meistersinger. At least there's Renee Fleming in Rosenkavalier, the one highlight of the season for me.
Well fortunately lots of us like Verdi and putting on crowd-pleasing stuff is rather a sensible strategy for an opera house. Would you prefer crowd-displeasing repertoire? I think there's plenty of new works here to please experts and entice new audiences away from standard fare. Looks a strong season to me
God this just sounds like empty complaining. Verdi is a genius and some of the casts look interesting, Holten is leaving soon so you should be able to deal with one last production (and quite frankly his productions aren't that bad, especially compared to some other productions of the same opera), and the ROH has almost never put on more than one or two Wagner operas so this should hardly be a suprise. And Fleming is the highlight? The woman has been unsuccessful and literally everything she has done the past few seasons are there are several women far superior (and in their primes) to her in this role.
Why don't we wait to SEE the new MEISTERSINGER before we decide about it? I for one am looking forward to it.....
And Verdi can hardly be said to be 'tedious ' - especially not OTELLO. It doesn't sound like the ideal role for Jonas Kaufmann.......will be interesting! !!
I love Verdi but my one criticism here would be that it seems a bit soon to bring back the Trovatore we have not even seen for the first time yet.
I am particularly pleased to see The Nose and Norma listed and there are a lot of other things I will want to see although not everything is to my taste, but then I don't expect it to be because not everyone wants the same as me.
Is your attitude to all of life SO negative? Perhaps you are above "crowd pleasers" but the crowd buys tickets too!
Missed my stop in tube reading the opera season!! Some intriguing productions and a couple of prosaic ones I think. Curious to hear Netrebko as Norma because it requires really huge technical accuracy - and I've heard her earlier, lighter voice which was not really suited for the bel canto technical demands of accuracy and speed and she's been going the dramatic route lately but she's a great singer and I'd imagine is up for the challenge! And no Joyce DiDonato which is tragic. Still fab news about Pappano renewing his contract - imo best opera conductor around! All in all a season worth visiting!!
What happened to Semiramide? There were so many rumors around that and Bayerische staatsoper clearly says on its webpages that its new Semiramide is a co-production with ROH...
The Otello dates for June 21/24/28 are not in the total season listing but do appear if you go to summer season 2017 listings
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for your comment. On the page we were just using 'Jun' to refer to all the dates in June but I see that's confusing – amended now.
All best,
Rachel
Who are these singers in Cosi? Covent Garden if you claim to be world class you need world class casting.
Looks like an exciting season, some of the old classics with great casts. But also, thank you, thank you and thank you for bringing back Written on Skin! I can't wait to see it again. Plus a new Thomas Ades, The Exterminating Angel.
No Peter Mattei ;-(
Kaufman singing Otello.....interesting. Not a tenor I would have associated with the role at this point in his career.
Much to look forward to here, in addition to Otello; Rosenkavalier for Christmas, The Nose, Meistersinger, Don Carlo, and Mitridate and Cosi.
Bring it on!
Exceptional upcoming programme and thanks for the early heads up, it means we can now plan our lives for the year ahead.
I can't see that anyway could have cause for complaint about this programme or castings. I just hope the directors are up to the challenges.
Disappointed that Meistersinger is not being live screened for those of us who can't afford to travel to London & pay for a hotel.
Well they can't live cast everything in order to suite everyone who MAY decide to go to a live cast.
Well said Ms Weaver! We live 250 miles from London and have to have an overnight stay. Also can't afford to be a 'Friend" and ensure tickets through "Priority booking" and therefore secure cheap rail tickets that are now released 28 weeks before travel. Would also liked to have seen "...Rosenkav..." in cinema. Still, will be able to see "Norma", "Cosi..." "...Hoffman" and "Otello" in cinema.
I've a ticket for Tannhaeuser for around £20 and a return coach ticket from Cardiff for £10.
I wonder if cinemas are disinclined to devote six hours of their schedules to a work as long as Meistersinger, or four hours to Rosenkavalier. Maybe that's behind the decision here.
Matthew Rose as Baron Ochs. Yes! Really looking forward to that.
Lots of amazing sopranos, I am very excited for this coming year at the ROH! Looks like I became a 'friend' at just the right time!!
Absolutely disappointing. One of your best (Sir Thomas Allen) only in this odd Ades (wich I'll go to see in Salzburg), "Meistersinger" by Holten who will probably screw up big time again, a new "Cosi" who's certainly not coming close to the wonderful "old" one (I wonder why you think you need a new one), no Joyce DiDonato, but instead Jonas Kaufmann (people, prepare for the cancellation) and Ms Fleming as Marschallin - well, I really, really used to like her, only in the last time I never heard her being in good voice ...
Thomas Allen is in his 60s and unsurprisingly does not sing much anymore. What exactly would you cast him in?
Wonderful news about Antonio Pappano renewing his contract.
JK singing Otello will be my highlight.
Disappointed not to see "Das Liebesverbot" on the list. Had suspicions when Kasper Holten announced his departure that the Holten/Teatro Real, Madrid collaboration would not translate to the ROH. Can I hope for 2017/2018?
Co-productions often take more than a season to make their way between venues; for instance, Bieto's Fidelio was at Munich is 2010-11, but took till 2013-14 to reach ENO. So I see no reason for you to give up hope. As I understand it, opera houses plan schedules several years in advance, so that Holten's leadership may be felt for a couple of seasons to come.
I saw a Liebesverbot in Leipzig a couple of years ago. I must say, the early Wagner I think really deserves a London staging is Die Feen.
Looks like a very strong, confident and rich season. Thanks, Kasper!
Thrilled that the wonderful Ermonela Jaho will be singing Butterfly. Please, please book her for more performances ...
I need to book as early as possible for 06.05.2017 for L'elisir D'Amore to see Pretty Yende people will be travelling form S Africa for the performance when may the booking be open please?
Hi Christine,
General booking for this production opens on 24 January 2017 at 9am. Booking dates vary according to your membership level. On the production page, to the left of the black box that reads 'NOT ON SALE', click the 'Why?' icon to find out each booking date.
Hope that helps!
All best wishes,
Rose
Hi Christine,
General Booking opens on 24 January 2017. Friends of Covent Garden are able to book earlier on 7 December 2016.
You can find out more about becoming a Friend of Covent Garden via http://www.roh.org.uk/memberships/friend
Thanks,
Chris
I don't mean this to be aggressive but does the ROH have any plans to bring back Marina Poplavskaya? She was everywhere at the house for several years, in new productions, gala events and in all the publicity and then after her vocal problems (and then her pregnancy) she has completely disappeared from the operatic scene and is not planned for next season in London either. Given her history on the Jette Parker scheme and the ROH's heavy marketing of her, is she expected to come back at some point?
Interesting but dread to think of the seat prices especially Otello! Most I ever paid was £65 to see Dame Joan in Anna Bolena worth every penny .Also guess most of the new productions will be crap regie which I would not attend for free!!!
Oh, for heaven's sake. How can you KNOW that the productions are 'crap regie' until you see them??
Although I share your concern about the seat prices.
A strong programme of acknowledged masterpieces and modern classics. My top choice is The Nose, which should be a hoot! My two 'criticisms': yet again, no Janacek - he really should be as much a necessity in any season as Mozart, Verdi, Wagner or Puccini; and on the whole, the programme appeals more to my desire to hear particular performers than the works they are performing. I recognise that not everyone is like me in this respect, but I do fear that opera might become too 'celebrity' obsessed, rather than aiming for the widest possible repertoire. Nevertheless, plenty to look forward to - thank you.
Of course we have been promised a Janacek cycle in 2017-2020, but I agree, he should be a routine presence.
Netrebko did Casta Diva well and O, mira Norma beautifully with Garanca in Baden almost ten years ago. DiDonato costars in the Met production. Radvanovsky, here as Manon, and Kunde, here as Otello, once did Norma wonderfully. Not sure if Radvanovsky is fit for the ingenue but Kunde as Otello is definitely a treat. He well managed both Otellos and outperforms Kaufmann vocally if not otherwise. Hoffmann won't be bad but Meistersinger might not equal Met's Morris and Polenzani version. Fleming and Davis appeared in Rodelina at the Met; good luck for the lady and the gentleman's pure countertenor voice is an absolute joy. Not least, hail to Maestro Pappano!
Some excellent casting here and plenty of famous operas that I'll enjoy revisiting - Meistersinger, Rosenkavalier, Otello, to name but a few - as well as the relative rarities, The Nose and Mitridate, and the new Bunuel opera (as a film scholar by profession, I'm fascinated by operas based on films).
I must say, cautiously, that I think there could be a slightly greater focus on rarities at Covent Garden. Ten of the operas in the new season have been at the ROH since 2013, while in the same period six of the others have been at ENO or Holland Park (and Rosenkavalier at Glyndebourne). I'm always happy to revisit the acknowledged great works of the medium, and I'm also aware that every time one sees a Traviata or Butterfly, someone in the audience is seeing it for the first time. That's part of your mandate. But I also think that you ought to devote more space to real rarities, either the neglected works by the great composers - Arabella or Daphne for Strauss, for instance - or the deserving neglected composers who tend to slip through the net. Cilea is one example, but German opera is more than Wagner and Strauss: how about Weber, Marschner and Goldmark, for starters? Rarities like King Roger did very well in the house, so there is an audience for a wider canon.
I agree with Alexander that I would like to see more rarities. These are the sort of things that I will make great efforts to see (e.g. by going to Wexford) and I know a lot of other people who do the same. I realise that you have to do some "crowd-pleasers" but a few rarities as well would be nice rather than to keep having new productions of the same old operas, some of which are now into their third production since I started going regularly in 1993.
Couldn't agree more. See my post September 6th.
Is it really the intention that the "first night" of Butterfly should be a Thursday at 12 noon (ie 23 March)? I know that 20 March at 12 noon is marked as a schools matinee - has there been some mistake?
Hi Robert,
Yes, that's correct.
All best,
Rose
Norma with Netrebko is the highlight. Also because of Joseph Calleja as Pollione. He should be perfect for this role. Some other strong casts too. Camarena in barbiere, Kaufmann in Otello, Spyres in Mitridate. Manon Lescaut, Trovatore and Don Carlo also have wonderful casts.
But wait - No Keenlyside??? He is scheduled to perform three different operas in Vienna in the coming season plus a recital, but not a single performance in London?
Lovely balance as in current season between the v popular and the rarely-produced. Most exciting initially:
New Cosi and Rosenkavalier because I love them. Ermonela Jaho - great singing in trittico in 2016, matched by a gorgeous curtain call in character. It's always interesting when a revival of a production is announced before anyone has even seen it (Trovatore).
Great to have the visually very imaginative Barrie Kosky doing a co-production with himself (he's Australian and runs the Komische Oper). It'll be in English at the ROH because it's a "Konversationsstück" and he wants the words understood. Cue minor controversy.
A pity the Guardian review of the season feels the need to include irrelevantly the Damiano Michieletto Guillaume Tell moment but avoids mentioning the recent Olivier award for his wonderful, cinematic Cav/Pag. Oh well. Bravi
Ermonela Jaho is back as Madama Butterfly, a must see.
Rather agree with Alexander Jacoby about extending the rep, but there are some grand things in the season to which I am really looking forward. One being 'Adriana Lecouvreur'. And the new Thomas Adès. And 'The Nose'. And 'Oreste'. Big thank you to Kasper Holten & everyone involved in programming the 2016/17 season.
John Schlesinger's Les Contes d'Hoffmann at age 36 is now the oldest production to be revived. I would prefer the opera house to revive some of the older generations not just simply replacing them or keep on reviving the recent ones. Why revive Trovatore when they haven't even got their first reaction? It would be so nice if we had that 1977 Fledermaus by Leopold Lindtberg, or Moshinsky's Samson et Dalila of 1981 back. And as someone is writing, obviously there are too many Traviatas. It's high time they did their first Ernani.
I totally agree.
Yes please- Moshinsky's 1981 Samson et Dalila.
Looking forward to the new season - many new things I haven't seen before. I too was wondering why no Simon Keenlyside? Also seem to remember that Anna Netrebko has a bit of a reputation for cancelling so not too worried about whether her voice is suitable for Norma. On the subject of cinema screenings of longer operas I seem to remember Parsifal a couple of Christmases ago? In an ideal world everything would be accessible to everybody but sadly that's not the reality.
I like upcoming season a lot. Unusual for ROH. Netrebko as Norma, Kaufmann as Otello, Bryan Hymel and Renee Fleming comes back, Shagimuratova as Aspasia- OMG, she is fantastic singer, remember her mesmerizing Donna Anna, future big star. Looking forward very much.
Good seaon, real shame as mentioned , no Janacek and there should be more strauss and not Traviata's again - why Fleming in New Production of Rosenkavalier ! , very lazy casting, especially her boring voice is coming to an end
Each to their own, but there is no need for rude comments. The Renee Fleming who sang at the Barbican last night, enthralled a full house with a wide variety of both programme and interpretation and was in brilliant, mesmerizing voice and gave countless, much demanded encores.
I would eagerly buy tickets to hear her again.
The ROH,as a music venue, provides a balanced season to balance the books, just as orchestras continue to perform works by the audience attracting Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.
On a different note, please convey huge congratulations to Messrs Pappano, Kaufmann and all involved in the award winning production of Aida.
New season looks great! I'm happy with the casting PS Congratulations on the recent Oliver Award for 'Cav & Pag'!
Oh please Fleming's performance last night was close to abysmal. This was not a world class singer anymore. Some of it quite embarrassing too. In all my years of concert going (near 30 years) I have never heard such a lazy performance of the Schumann. She mumbled words, struggled through most of it and as a singing performance was a mere shadow of her former self. Even worse her crooning meant that at times it sounded like a performance in a piano bar. The poor pianist struggled throughout the night to keep up with her erratic tempi. Sometimes too fast sometimes too slow. At the start of Zeignung this was cruelly exposed as she started way too fast and the pianist tried desperately to find the right tempo. Horrible. The American songs were weird and full of generalised nonsense. Her Morgen was good though, my favourite Strauss song. Despite all this I warmed to her as a person and forgave her everything when she introduced one of the songs called 'Scream' with 'this is dedicated to our election'.
But where is Simon Keenlyside + Juan Diego Flórez? And how about Klaus Florian Vogt? So little of Hvorostovsky... :(
May we book for Don Carlo right now, please (among others)!
Bravi!!!Bravi!!!Bravi!!!
Three great debuts:Anna-Norma, Anita-Azucena and Jonas-Otello!!! and Ermonela-Butterfly, so many Alagna, Agresta and Kunde!!!!! How many occasions to come to Roh!!!!
The Exterminating Angel. Wow! How exciting! Love the film. Cant wait to see what this will be like.
We know that "Traviata" is a banker, but so are "Carmen", "Figaro", "Tosca" and a few others. Can you cycle them round a bit rather than giving us the same production of Traviata every year?
However - that's only one production, and most of the rest looks great. I'm looking forward to new productions of Otello, Norma and Rosenkavalier in particular. I'd like to say I'm looking forward to Meistersinger too - the old production was soooooo wonderful; and the recent ENO one was incredible too. But, after the director made such a travesty of "Guillaume Tell", I'm not sure I can stand to watch 16th century Nuremberg being transported to the battlefields of World War I, or an asylum...
My wish list for next season: how about some Haydn or Janacek; or "Billy Budd"; or a revival of that fun "Cherubin" that we had about 20 years back!
I kind of wonder myself - is Traviata really that much of a banker relative to other things? I mean, I see most of the operas at the ROH, and it's very rare that I sit in a house which isn't about 95% full. So is a Traviata any more of a sure-fire earner than lots of things? Still, it's accessible and entertaining and (important point) a good first opera - the sort of thing that may get new viewers interested in the medium.
I gave Covent Garden a hard time over Lucia, but they've really cheered me up with this new season. My two favourite sopranos, Jaho and Radvanovsky, favourite tenor, Kaufmann - it's very exciting; his acting is always brilliant and I am sure he will be great - and the baritone whose professionalism puts us all to shame, the wonderful Hvorostovsky. (I'd like to have seen him in something I haven't seen him in before but that's a bit picky...). Glad to have a chance to scrabble for a ticket with everyone else, and I can put my Lucia refund to good use (!) It's clear there are as many different opinions as there are seats in the House, so let's hope we all come away happy at some point!
Hi,
Could you tell me which productions will have lower ticket prices (like L'etoile and Oedipe this season)?
Thanks, Sam
Hi Sam,
In the Autumn Season, The Royal Opera's new production of The Nose has tickets from £5 with a top price of £100. All ballets have tickets at £6 or less, with prices for the Wayne McGregor mixed programme from just £3.
Across the Season half of all tickets cost less than £60, One third of tickets will cost £36 or below and more than a quarter of a million tickets will be priced at less than £45.
Thanks
Chris
You lucky people, getting Paolo Bordogna and Barrie Kosky as well as the wonderful
others. Might have to travel.
I must say I share others' apprehensions about what Kasper Holten might do to Die Meistersinger, as I found his Eugene Onegin pretentious and silly in the extreme. However, I applaud his sense of humour - assuming he is responsible for the picture accompanying the details of the new production! It can't be an easy job...
It doesn't have to be 16th century. It doesn't have to be Nuremberg. But it does have to find the inclusiveness and humanity to embrace everyone who is willing. At ENO, at the very end, that even included Beckmesser.
Congratulations London.... To see Trebs as Norma is worth living where you are .... lucky guys .... My cheers to the Royal Opera as well ;)
Very interesting programme for 2016/2017.
But where is maestro Placido Domingo? My mother is very disappointed. Will he ever do those two cancelled dates as Germont in La Traviata? Will you consider him for doing a Concert like Jonas Kaufmann.
I think ROH is wise not including Domingo. It is time he stood aside and allowed us all to remember the miracle of his 30 years of world-class singing which we were so privileged to enjoy. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing Kaufmann's debut as Otello; his recording of two of the arias showed considerable potential.
Some exciting things to look forward to, including Norma.Otello, Written in Skin and Exterminating Angel, but no Joyce di Donato and yet again no Nina Stemme.
I am responding to a previous comment of " its time he stood aside" ( Maestro Placido Domingo) I do not think so his singing and acting on stage is the best. There must be many people who think the same, proved today by the sell out of Nabucco performances by Placido Domingo. Please have him back soon.
Nice to see some Sunday matinee performances for us of towners for those who don't want the added expense of hotels - thanks ROH hope it is a trend that continues
Looking forward to Norma (not sure how the combination of Netrebko and the Fura dels Baus will go down), Rosenkavalier for Xmas (despite Renee now way past form), Don Carlo and Jonas as Otello, which I hope he sees through and does not cancel. He can do the role justice and I hope he does Tristan soon, too!
Otello and Turandot both seem to be on the same dates -8, 12, 15 July. Turandello?
Hi Rosannah,
On 8, 12 and 15 July there are performances of both Otello and Turandot, with matinee performances of Turandot, and Otello in the evening. You can find out more details about performances on the relevant production pages:
http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/otello-by-keith-warner
http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/turandot-by-andrei-serban
All best,
Rachel
What happened to Netrebko as Norma?
Why has her name disappeared and the production photograph changed?
Hi John,
Regrettably, Anna Netrebko has withdrawn from the production. We'll be announcing a replacement soon. You can find more details here: http://www.roh.org.uk/news/cast-change-anna-netrebko-to-withdraw-from-norma
All best,
Mel
Was waiting for Anna Netrebko's withdrawal! Just very glad it happened before the bookings opened.....
No Yonghoon Lee? He is not singing at the Met either. What happened?
This season prices have soared and myself and friends have been priced out from stalls circle bench seats whose prices have quadrupled. No explanation. Have sat all over the House in 60 years plus of attending opera and ballet. Can't do upper reaches anymore due to vertigo developing. ROH show no sympathy. They say they want to bring opera to wider audience. How at these prices? Yes expect to pay more for some performances but this is exorbitant particularly previously arttending several a year. ROH have also penalised people with single membership of Friends scheme pushing them down priority list so priority booking didn't work anymore. In past two years have had problems with box office and website. ROH it is said has problems but don't alienate those who have supported you over the years. Delighted that Antonio Pappano is staying and Kasper Holten is not
Dear Janet,
Thank you for your feedback. Could you let me know which seats you feel have quadrupled?
We offer different pricing to different productions and the ticket prices vary accordingly. With the extreme stalls circle seats no longer available because of the needs of our orchestra members, the number of seats in this area is smaller.
Chris
Jonas in Otello!! Anna Netrebko as Norma Cool!!!
I was very much looking forward to seeing Norma with Netrebko but was expecting her to cancel! Now I have read "Director's Viewpoint' and the "Career in Brief" of Alex Olle I think it explains why she pulled out!!! I would love to see this opera but do I want to pay £270 for another terrible production - although I am sure the singing and orchestra will be wonderful!!!!
Hi, I would like to know if I can buy Opera season ticket packages 2016/2017. I would like to see 9 Operas. I think it would be more convenient for me to buy a package than single tickets. Thanks.
Hi Silvia,
There are packages available - both large and small. I hope this is a more convenient option (there are also discounts available for package booking.) You'll find all the details here: http://www.roh.org.uk/packages
Do get in touch if you have any problems.
Thanks,
Mel
Well, I'd better get joined up as a friend, so that I can access earlier booking arrangements, because every time I look at this list, there's more I want to see.
Excited by The Nose and The Exterminating Angel, Cosi and Mitridate, Otello, Rosenkavalier, Meistersinger, Don Carlos and Adriana Lecouvreur. That'll leave me tidily penniless!
And then, there's the ballet.....
And the train-fare...... Oh well. Vissi d'arte.
With regular emails from ROH appealing for more money as donations, despite being the single biggest beneficiary of the Arts Council, why do we need a new 'Rosenkavalier' when the current one is so magnificent? A Kaspar Holten-directed 'Meistersinger' is going to be contentious and, probably, not revivable so why waste the money? Graham Vick's production is decent.
This is the worst web page for information I have seen in a very long time
You used to have clear concise pictorial view of what made up the season - Replaced with lots of information I would be interested in IF I wanted to explore the production further
Why do you insist on making life difficult? I cannot now be bothered to check the ballet and will look to book a production in Prague or similar
Well done ROH, another customer departs
Two final points
1. Why list all the comments? A selection with a "view more" would be appropriate
2. Your invitation to comment is at the end of ALL the comments!
Hi John,
Thanks for your comments; I agree, it would be more helpful if the ability to comment was higher up and this is something we will be looking into when we make further development changes to the site.
We do still have the pictorial view of what is coming up - I have added a link to this view at the top of the article.
Best wishes
Mel
Overall a good season although after just seeing La Bartoli in Edinburgh the Norma has got to go some!! I have to say in the days of cuts and economy there are/have been FIVE rather unnecessary new productions. La Boheme, Der Rosenkavlier, Otello, Cav and Pag and Il Trovotore. All previous productions were wonderful to watch and sumptuously staged. I have to question why,why,why? When there is so much else that has not been staged at ROH for many years. Il Pirate, Iris, Roberto Devereaux, Anna Bolena (last done in 70's with Sutherland), Osud, Rienzi, Daphne, Edgar, Thais (concert) and Le Cid to name but a few. We patrons want to see works we have not seen - not revamped of old favourites with strange 'new' conceptions.
Could not agree more. When the arts are having to work with limited budgets why replace a good working production when the resources could be used to produce a new work not in the repertoire. Patrons usually go to see a work and not bothered to a large extent if it has older staging and would jump at seeing something new. In the perfect world it would be lovely to have new productions all the time but in the real world let's see some thing new and enjoy what we already have.
Hello,
Since Roberto Alagna announced on Sept. 28th that he would withdraw from "Il Trovatore" (1st –16 December), the ROH should quickly inform its patrons about the cast change, even if Mr. Alagna's substitute has not been confirmed yet.
Thanks.
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for your comment. The replacement for the role of Manrico will be announced soon, and ticket holders will be contacted via email with details of options open to them.
All best,
Mel
When are we likely to see "La Boheme"?
Would love the ROH to stage the Met's fabulous baroque feast of an opera " The Enchanted Island" with the same dream cast who brought the magic to NY. Any chance? Please....! Yours hopefully from an Early Music fan.
Hi Jo,
We don't have any plans at present, but thanks for sharing. We love to hear from our audience on what they'd like to see staged.
Remember that we will announce the 17/18 Season in April.
All best wishes,
Rose
I have enjoyed the Il Trovatore last tuesday in the Cinema in The Netherlands. For me it was the best Trovatore I have ever seen. Also the orchestra was superb. Would it be possible to release the performance on Bluray for commercial sale? I would buy it and I am not the only one.
All the best from Holland,
Sijbold
Hi,
Regarding 'The Exterminating Angel', as the role of Yoli (boy treble) is uncredited, does it mean there will be no Yoli onstage?
And what about the uncredited instruments (e.g. ondes Martenot, etc.)?
Thanks.
Hi Catherine,
Many thanks for your comment and for flagging that these credits were missing from the website. The role of Yoli is performed by Joshua Abrams and Jai Sai Mehta, who will appear onstage, and in the orchestra Cynthia Millar plays the ondes martenot and Finnegan Downie Dear the piano. These credits have now been added to the website and should show through within the next ten minutes.
All best,
Rachel
The Othelo in the cinema was magnificent. Desbdemona when you sang the prayer I was praying with you in my heart. I was so shocked at your death, and understood entirely why he gave his life. Their where all magnificent performances by each and all of you. Wonderful the portrayal of the human minds where spot on.