Conductor Alexander Briger and his Australian World Orchestra and soprano Sarah Traubel were rewarded with immediate standing ovations after both performances of their extraordinary 2025 “Mahlerfest” programme of Symphonies no. 4 and 5 by Gustav Mahler in a single night, in concerts at the Melbourne Arts Centre and the Sydney Opera House.

Congratulations Felix Krieger for the phenomenal success of his return to Semperoper Dresden, where the Staatskapelle and wonderful cast performed under his baton a magnificent Magic Flute and earned a standing ovation from the sold-out house. Bravi tutti, bravo Felix Krieger!

Mezzo-soprano Anna Werle had an especially successful debut at Arena di Verona: A rare honour for a German vocal artist, Anna sang the role of Fenena in Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco, a cornerstone of Italian repertoire at one of the world’s most iconic opera venues. The critics’ response was unanimous.