Sydney Opera House, July 20

In these times of economic gewitter und sturm it seems the world of opera is coming to rely more and more on the concert performance both to generate recordings and for audiences to experience the very finest international soloists. Last year’s excellent Queen of Spades under Vladimir Ashkenazy proved the operatic hit of the Sydney season and so the bar was set high for the SSO’s incoming Chief Conductor David Robertson as he brought Wagner’s musical romance of the high seas to the Sydney Opera House. No need for concern though – this was an evening of unadulterated triumph from start to finish.

To enhance the experience the SOH Concert Hall stage was surmounted by two enormous sails upon which were projected the impressively detailed work of American video artist S Katy Tucker. Strong, dynamic imagery held the attention without ever detracting from the singers. From the start of the overture ominous, treacly water crashed over the brooding face of the Dutchman before slowing for the Senta theme (a revery in passonate reds and golds). At other times we saw black rain, grey seas, blood in the water and a host of other powerful effects, but...