I am at Heathrow on my way to Toronto where there is five times the amount of snow on the ground that closes Heathrow. I guess I will be fine.
I spent two hours this morning seeing the first "half" of the Royal Opera's new production of Eugene Onegin. It was in fact the first four scenes, up to and including the Larin family party. This scene was famously described in the Edward Dent translation as "Balls in the country are quite a sensation, dancing and singing and candles ablaze!" Well in this case there was limited dancing and no candles. But there was splendid singing from the threateningly black dressed chorus, as well as from a distinguished cast.
I had to leave after Scene 4 - it is too risky to cut it fine in getting to the airport. As it turned out I am now here earlier than I would have liked.......
The production opens at the Royal Opera House on Monday. Simon Keenlyside is a wonderful Onegin - I am sorry to have missed him in St Petersburg. Bulgarian soprano Krassimira Stoyanova is immensely experienced and a fine singer. Pavol Breslik is an ideal Lensky. Diane Montague is the perfect Madame Larina. Peter Rose is the Gremin but was indisposed but apparently his cover sang the St Petersburg scene that I missed - Sir John Tomlinson!!
My flight takes off soon - I may manage to get to Toronto in time to see the second act of the dress rehearsal of COC's Tito. I am a glutton for punishment!
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