Ustinov Opera
Ustinov Studio, Bath, 1-23 December
Artistic director Deborah Warner curates an eye-catching programme for Bath Theatre Royal’s intimate Ustinov Studio. Tenor Ian Bostridge and mezzo Christine Rice have graced the autumn line-up, which culminates in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, a gripping operatic take on Henry James’s novella. Richard Hetherington directs a new production by Isabelle Kettle.
Hespèrion XXI
Wigmore Hall, London, 1 December
Jordi Savall’s adventurous period instrument ensemble has explored everything from medieval rarities to Romantic blockbusters – reserving a special relish for west-eastern encounters. As the 400th anniversary year nears its end, Byrd is at the heart of an English programme featuring Tye, Holborne, Dowland and Gibbons.
Ulster Orchestra
Ulster Hall, Belfast, 1 December
Schumann’s ‘Rhenish’ Symphony aside, there’s a pronounced Hungarian flavour as conductor Elena Schwarz pairs Dohnányi’s dance-inspired Symphonic Minutes with Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3. The soloist is Vadym Kholodenko.
