Musically, matters were much more secure, with conductor Kenneth Montgomery shaping a generously lyrical interpretation featuring exceptionally beautiful orchestral playing and shining, open-hearted singing by Sandra Hort's chorus.

It only takes 10 seconds to tell whether an opera conductor is any good. And as soon as the COC orchestra launched into the effervescent overture to The Bartered Bride, you knew that all was well. Conducting without a baton, Montgomery had the entire orchestra galvanized and energized ...

... the opera sounded more authentic in its native language and with Kenneth Montgomery presiding in the pit, its musical score truly seemed to fit the words.