Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, London Coliseum ****

Mark Wrigglesworth has brought an astonishing and fresh production of Shostakovich's controversial opera that shows the full strength of their orchestra and chorus. Right from the start, I was blown away by the sheer force and scale of these wonderful resources as this 'muddle' transforms into wonderful music about love, lust and, in Dmitri Tcherniakov's production, the divide between East and West. The traditional Russian house with rugs lining the walls juxtaposes the modern Western style office layout of the factory in Tcherniakov's design and this difference resonates strongly and demonstrates Katerina's isolation in this strange and different setting. The sex is raw and strong without being indecent or offensive which is helped by having a strong and vocally able female protagonist in Patricia Racette. The role is tricky and she navigates around the part fantastically and is both brave and ambitious yet devoted and emotionally engaged. The contrast between Peter Hoare's weak and disheveled Zinovy contrasts greatly to John Daszak's Sergei who is ferocious and strong. Your opinion of him changes the most throughout the narrative in a very un-operatic nature. However, the chorus steal the show in the few moments where they sing collectively. They have a force that is as great as Mastersingers and provide wonderful atmosphere. Whilst the music can occasionally be straining, this almost perfect musical rendition of Shostakovich's opera is a fantastic start to a promising new regime at the ENO.