Tokyo, Oviedo, Berlin, Florence, Paris, Stockholm

Tokyo: Orfeo ed Euridice

The New National Theatre Tokyo’s production of Orfeo ed Euridice marked the debut of Italian soprano Benedetta Torre as Euridice. Saburo Teshigawara’s pared-back, sculptural staging offered a distinctive setting for the dialogue between dance and voice that characterises the Japanese choreographer’s work. Alongside Torre, audiences heard contralto Sara Mingardo, whose spacious, introspective Orfeo remains a benchmark, as well as Yuki Sugiyama in a radiant Amore. Ryuichiro Sonoda conducted the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and the New National Theatre Chorus, bringing clarity and dramatic impetus to Gluck’s score.

With Benedetta Torre, Sara Mingardo, Yuki Sugiyama, the New National Theatre Chorus, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Ryuichiro Sonoda.

Oviedo (Spain): Vivaldi’s Orlando furioso

The Ópera de Oviedo presented five performances of Vivaldi’s Orlando furioso, staged by Fabio Ceresa and conducted by Aarón Zapico. Among the cast, young countertenor Arnaud Gluck drew particular praise in his debut as Ruggiero: “subtle, delicate interventions and ornamentation that was simply exquisite in the da capo sections.” Alongside him, Evelyn Ramírez (Orlando), Jone Martínez (Angelica) and Shakèd Bar (Alcina) brought the central characters of this whirlwind baroque drama vividly to life. The Oviedo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Opera Chorus accompanied the production.

With Evelyn Ramírez, Jone Martínez, Shakèd Bar, Arnaud Gluck, the Oviedo Opera Chorus, the Oviedo Philharmonic Orchestra and Aarón Zapico.

Berlin: Jordi Savall’s Debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker

A landmark moment in Berlin: at the age of 84, Jordi Savall made his debut at the Philharmonie with the Berliner Philharmoniker. The German press expressed astonishment that it had taken so long to welcome “the great lord” of historically informed performance, alongside René Jacobs, Gustav Leonhardt and Emmanuelle Haïm (Tagesspiegel). The three-evening programme featured Rameau, Gluck and Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung praised him as “a conductor of subtle nuance who does not necessarily need an early-music ensemble to deploy his artistry.” This Berlin residency continues in January and April 2026, this time with his own ensemble, Le Concert des Nations.

With the Berliner Philharmoniker and Jordi Savall.

Florence: Viva Lulli!

As every year, friends of the Giovanni Battista Lulli Institute gathered to celebrate the Florentine composer’s birthday before the commemorative plaque on Lungarno Vespucci, on the site of his father’s former mill. Joining the Institute’s founders, Federico Maria Sardelli and Samuele Lastrucci, were Guillaume Rousson, Consul General of France, and musicologist Riccardo Cecchetti, who outlined the organisation’s ambitious plans for 2026.
The ceremony concluded on the banks of the Arno, where baroque trumpeter Filippo Calandri offered a fanfare in Lully’s honour.

Paris: A New Ensemble, Orchestre 415-Paris

A new ensemble, the Orchestre 415-Paris, has been created to meet the growing demand for amateur orchestral practice on period instruments. Bringing together amateurs, students and professionals around the baroque repertoire, it gave two inaugural concerts at the Église Saint-Éloi under the baton of Hervé Niquet, in a programme titled À la française, featuring works by Lully, Rameau, Bach and Boismortier. A new session is planned for March 2026, centred on the St John Passion, in collaboration with the Ensemble vocal Largentière.

With the 415-Paris orchestra and Hervé Niquet.

Stockholm: Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno with Orpheus Barock

In Stockholm, Julio Caballero Pérez led Orpheus Barock in a finely crafted performance of Handel’s Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno at the Konserthuset. The principal quartet brought together Suzanne Jerosme (Bellezza), Ann Hallenberg (Piacere), Lucía Caihuela (Disinganno) and Martin Vanberg (Tempo), supported in the continuo by Miriam Jorde and Jonas Nordberg.

With Suzanne Jerosme, Ann Hallenberg, Lucía Caihuela, Martin Vanberg, l’Orpheus Barock Stockholm and Julio Caballero Pérez.