Ako Imamura

The static production may have been saved, and may have enhanced the story of the doomed seaman and his salvation, if there had been a good musical performance. Valery Gergiev’s conducting was unfortunately a major disappointment as his pace dragged and lacked a sense of drama throughout.

The singers, many from Deutsche Oper's ensemble, sang with commitment and enthusiasm, throwing themselves into the physical and vocal demands of Britten's opera.

Lisette Oropesa, making her role debut as Manon, sang with an elegance and style that was perfect for a heroine with little control over her fate.