Jakub Hrůša has won acclaim following the opening night performance in Wagner’s Lohengrin currently showing at the Royal Opera House.
Gavin Dixon from The Arts Desk writes, “Jakub Hrůša shines at the podium…Best of all was the orchestral playing under the astute leadership of Jakub Hrůša… the climaxes, to the Prelude and to each of the acts, are just stunning. The Royal Opera is on the lookout for a new Music Director: could this engagement by a try-out for Hrůša? If so, he is a strong contender.”
Barry Millington from Evening Standard writes, “Hrůša’s contribution…was crucial. His handling of the climactic procession to the minster later in the act, of the unfolding denouement in the last act and indeed of the whole drama was revelatory…masterly musical direction…an evening of acute theatrical potency.”
Colin Clarke from Seen and Heard International writes, “…but what works best of all is the conducting of Jakub Hrůša, whose attention to detail, and ability to inspire his players, is without peer. The entrance of the woodwind in the Act I Prelude was the best I have heard it live (and better than most recorded); his brass hardly set a foot wrong all night, a remarkable achievement in this opera. He clearly hears the piece on the large-scale, too, with the result that choral climaxes veered towards the overwhelming. He works supremely well with his singers, balancing carefully and providing a truly natural flow to Wagner’s opera.”
David Alden’s take on Wagner’s great Romantic opera will show at the ROH until 14 May. More information and tickets can be found here.
Photo credit: Marian Lenhard