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Rattle Conducts Powerful Janácek Opera at Barbican Hall

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sir Simon Rattle conducted a concert performance of Janácek's The Makropulos Affair with the London Symphony Orchestra at Barbican Hall.
Marlis Petersen, a German soprano, portrayed Emilia Marty with a powerful, emotional delivery.
The London Symphony Orchestra maintained balance with singers and showed exceptional skill despite the score.
Rattle's direction highlighted mortality and the human condition, making the concert resonate with contemporary issues and adding to the Janácek opera cycle.

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Story summary

Sir Simon Rattle conducted a concert performance of Janácek's The Makropulos Affair with the London Symphony Orchestra at Barbican Hall.
Marlis Petersen, a German soprano, portrayed Emilia Marty with a powerful, emotional delivery.
The London Symphony Orchestra maintained balance with singers and showed exceptional skill despite the score.
Rattle's direction highlighted mortality and the human condition, making the concert resonate with contemporary issues and adding to the Janácek opera cycle.