I really ought to start going early to get the pre-opera stuff. Hopefully I can do that for the Mozart which we will see on the 28th. And I sure would like to meet Mr. Neef. Thanks to my friends here for prompting me!
Re. the Prokofiev, a favourite performer did surface for me, in the lead female role of Countess Natasha Rostova: soprano Elena Semenova. Fabulous voice and projection, and acting talent, and a beauty. Russel Braun, the male lead, was her equal, but I must confess to a soft spot for the female roles in opera. Call me sexist.
This score has everything: sound explosions with full chorus and orchestra, soft passages, areas where they underscore singers in amazing ways, it's a wonderful thing by one of my favourite composers.
Speaking of beauties, the conductor, Johannes Debus, is so handsome he ought to learn to blush about it.
I love the rename of this thread -- "Urban Shocker's Neighbourhood Watch". Catchy!