Really gross, shocking production of Verdi’s “Macbeth” at the Bavarian State Oper. In other words: exactly the kind of production that the Met needs to be staging. This is the type of bold theatricality that would truly shake up opera. I didn’t see this production, but I heard that it cut right to the core of Shakespeare’s tale when it was first staged. Also, can we take a moment to admire the amazingness that is German soprano Nadja Michael? She looks perfect as Macbeth’s crazed wife. Her “Salome” at Covent Garden remains one of the most visceral performances I’ve ever seen, and I’m super excited to see her next year at the Met as Lady Macbeth. Now if only the Met could dispose of it’s weirdly unfocused “Wizard of Oz” like staging.

This is one of MY FAVORITE operas ever! Richard Strauss’ score is fantastic! At once rhapsodic and romantic, the next astringent and dissonant. The German soprano Nadja Michael is perfect as Salome and David McVicar’s amazing production - set in a slaughter house - is chilling!