What a thrilling week it has been.  For a long time I have held close to my heart the momentous second opera of Shostakovich, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.  To have the opportunity at last to conduct it, and on the legendary stage of the Mariinsky Opera to boot, is very much a dream come true. Rehearsals had gone fruitfully, chorus and orchestra executing splendidly (although it is a work they do not perform often), the lead soloists re-imagining and deepening their involvement in the score and the drama from day to day.  I felt a special responsibility to guide the several outstanding artists making their role [...]