Julia Jones returned to Vienna this month for a new production of Fidelio at the Volksoper. Whilst Markus Bothe’s direction provided some controversy, the critics were unanimous in their praise for Julia Jones’s conducting:
“Musically, the production with the Volksoper Orchestra under the baton of Julia Jones, was an outright success.” - Daniel Ender, Der Standard
“Musically, it was overwhelmingly successful. Moreover, the orchestra was led ably and allowed to take risks under the baton of Julia Jones…the orchestra should be applauded for a commendable performance.” - Chanda Vander Hart, bachtrack
“For her crystal clear interpretation of the repeatedly rewritten version of the 1814 score, Julia Jones deserved the tumultuous applause.” - Harald Steiner, Kleine Zeitung
“Julia Jones chooses sensible tempos and creates dynamic contrasts which never interfere with the singers, still providing sufficient room to emphasize some of the more unusual details in the score without disturbing the homogeneity of the overall sound.” - Walter Weidringer, Die Presse
“The basis for such a successful musical premiere was Julia Jones, a spirited and gripping conductor. She succeeded in producing an impressive symphonic sound which provided a good accompaniment to the singers.” - Johan Jahnas, Der Neue Merker
“At the helm of the tonally pleasing orchestra conductor Julia Jones uses many emphases to create a well-defined musical accompaniment, building to a powerful finale. Overall a very good performance by the orchestra.” - Kurier
“Even more satisfying was the sound that came from the orchestra pit. There, the British conductor Julia Jones conducted a dry and sometimes angular interpretation of Beethoven’s score, which nevertheless always put the singers first.” - Salzburger Nachrichten
You can read an interview for Der Standard where Julia Jones talks about her preparations for the production by clicking here.
Julia Jones can next be seen conducting a new production of Aida which opens the 50th Macerata Opera Festival on July 18th, with further performances on July 27th and August 2nd and 10th.
