National Theatre boss Nicholas Hytner returns to Glyndebourne to revive his smashing production of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, first seen last year, but now with a new cast.

After a number of novel productions of Cosi, including one on an ocean liner, one in a white box and yet another featuring a hip-hop and rap soundtrack by Glyndebourne Education, Hytner's production is notable for its plainness and simple beauty.

Set totally in period, and in a sumptuous villa on the Bay of Naples, this is one of the most difficult of Mozart's operas to pull off. With just six singers, there is nowhere for anyone to hide.

Robin Ticciati, Glyndebourne On Tour's new Musical Director, conducted an impeccable London Philharmonic Orchestra reading of Mozart's ravishing score, and the singers did magnificent work, most making their Glyndebourne debut.

The girls, in the shape of Swiss soprano Rachel Hamich as Fiordiligi and Israeli mezzosoprano Rina Shaham as Dorabella, both singers gave tremendous performances. They were well supported by French baritone Stephan Degar as Guglielmo and Alfonso Antonozzi as Don Alfonso with Pavol Breslik as Ferrando.

Spanish soprano Ainhoa as the feisty housemaid Despina.

This production of Mozart's most cynical yet emotional opera is as near perfect a rendition as you'll ever see or hear.

  • For tickets call 01273 813813.