The Royal Ballet ignited a “superb” (The Arts Desk) start to the festive season with a wonderful Christmas adventure danced to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. The opening night of The Nutcracker, beamed live to hundreds of cinemas around the UK and many more around the world, was performed under the baton of Maestro Barry Wordsworth, who brought “both the delight and the drama of Tchaikovksy’s score” (The Independent). Music critics note “the perfect collusion” between the dancers and an excellent Royal Opera House orchestra under the baton of Maestro Wordsworth. (The Stage)
Writing in her 5-star review in The Arts Desk, Jenny Gilbert praises First Soloist Melissa Hamilton who was “dangerously snakelike… an impression helped by a wonderfully sustained pianissimo from the orchestra under Barry Wordsworth’s baton.”
The production also drew a 5-star review from The Times, highlighting Barry Wordsworth’s “jolly affection” in conducting the ROH Orchestra, echoing an equally effusive 5-star review from the Financial Times.
Photo credit: The Royal Ballet © ROH/Tristram Kenton
