La Rondine alongside La Fanciulla del West is perhaps Puccini's most underrated opera, perhaps even more so. I have heard people call it a poor man's Traviata or an Italian Rosenkavalier, okay La Rondine is not the best Puccini opera in terms of plot and character however the music especially Magda's act 1 aria is just sublime.
Without being definitive, this La Rondine is lovely. I am not a fan of the alternate ending used, I do find it tacky to the one I prefer. That said, the costumes and sets are ravishing captured by some excellent video directing and the orchestra and conducting are spot on. The staging is done very nicely as well with a lot of finesse, poignancy and elegance.
The performances are consistently very, very good. I was particularly impressed with the musicality and vulnerability Ainhoa Arteta brought to Magda. In conclusion, lovely production and while it is not my favourite Puccini I like the opera too. 9/10 Bethany Cox
