Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
@markvalencia.bsky.social
Critic for Opera, Bachtrack and Musical America. 7 decades a Southender. Francophile, grandfather, passionately pro-EU. Previously with the blue bird until it got sick. Much happier here.
Pinned
I've read two grumpy online reviews of Barcelona's new Tristan und Isolde at the Liceu. Both scorned the stripped back design.
I haven't seen the show so I can't comment. However, with an opera of Tristan's unique interiority and abstraction less is always more. This one sounds right up my street.
I haven't seen the show so I can't comment. However, with an opera of Tristan's unique interiority and abstraction less is always more. This one sounds right up my street.
'Show me the way to the next whisky bar...'
Back of the stalls at the London Coliseum. Gets busy at the interval though.
Tonight I'll be there for ENO's new production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.
Reviewing for Opera mag.
Back of the stalls at the London Coliseum. Gets busy at the interval though.
Tonight I'll be there for ENO's new production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.
Reviewing for Opera mag.
a person pouring a drink into a glass with a spoon
ALT: a person pouring a drink into a glass with a spoon
media.tenor.com
February 16, 2026 at 11:12 AM
'Show me the way to the next whisky bar...'
Back of the stalls at the London Coliseum. Gets busy at the interval though.
Tonight I'll be there for ENO's new production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.
Reviewing for Opera mag.
Back of the stalls at the London Coliseum. Gets busy at the interval though.
Tonight I'll be there for ENO's new production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.
Reviewing for Opera mag.
Tonight I'll be at the @barbicancentre.bsky.social to hear Daniele Rustioni conduct the BBC SO in Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Rachmaninov's Symphony 3.
Reviewing for Musical America.
Reviewing for Musical America.
February 13, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Tonight I'll be at the @barbicancentre.bsky.social to hear Daniele Rustioni conduct the BBC SO in Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Rachmaninov's Symphony 3.
Reviewing for Musical America.
Reviewing for Musical America.
I've been snorting episodes of Smiley's People, recorded from BBC4. It's as wonderful as I remembered.
The scene in episode 3 between Alec Guinness and Bernard Hepton in a Parisian art boutique is a thing of rapture. I've watched it twice just to bathe in it.
The scene in episode 3 between Alec Guinness and Bernard Hepton in a Parisian art boutique is a thing of rapture. I've watched it twice just to bathe in it.
February 11, 2026 at 7:42 PM
I've been snorting episodes of Smiley's People, recorded from BBC4. It's as wonderful as I remembered.
The scene in episode 3 between Alec Guinness and Bernard Hepton in a Parisian art boutique is a thing of rapture. I've watched it twice just to bathe in it.
The scene in episode 3 between Alec Guinness and Bernard Hepton in a Parisian art boutique is a thing of rapture. I've watched it twice just to bathe in it.
Dear @radiotimes.bsky.social
Thank you for delivering next week's Radio Times to me on the correct (= usual) day.
Will you be reimbursing me for last week's edition? That's the one you failed to deliver at all.
Yours in sight irritation
Mark
Thank you for delivering next week's Radio Times to me on the correct (= usual) day.
Will you be reimbursing me for last week's edition? That's the one you failed to deliver at all.
Yours in sight irritation
Mark
a blurred image of a desert landscape with trees and bushes
ALT: a blurred image of a desert landscape with trees and bushes
media.tenor.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Dear @radiotimes.bsky.social
Thank you for delivering next week's Radio Times to me on the correct (= usual) day.
Will you be reimbursing me for last week's edition? That's the one you failed to deliver at all.
Yours in sight irritation
Mark
Thank you for delivering next week's Radio Times to me on the correct (= usual) day.
Will you be reimbursing me for last week's edition? That's the one you failed to deliver at all.
Yours in sight irritation
Mark
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
So the fall-out from the wretched Mandelson scandal has led Scotland’s Labour leader to call for Keir Starmer to resign.
Meanwhile, last year…
There is always a tweet.
Meanwhile, last year…
There is always a tweet.
February 9, 2026 at 3:02 PM
So the fall-out from the wretched Mandelson scandal has led Scotland’s Labour leader to call for Keir Starmer to resign.
Meanwhile, last year…
There is always a tweet.
Meanwhile, last year…
There is always a tweet.
Surprised how much I enjoyed 'Is This Thing On?', Bradley Cooper's film about marriage.
The narrative starts chaotically, like a messy marriage, then gradually a more assured shape evolves as the protagonists learn to navigate their relationships. Fascinating drama.
The narrative starts chaotically, like a messy marriage, then gradually a more assured shape evolves as the protagonists learn to navigate their relationships. Fascinating drama.
a man in a white shirt is standing in front of a sign that says lar
ALT: a man in a white shirt is standing in front of a sign that says lar
media.tenor.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Surprised how much I enjoyed 'Is This Thing On?', Bradley Cooper's film about marriage.
The narrative starts chaotically, like a messy marriage, then gradually a more assured shape evolves as the protagonists learn to navigate their relationships. Fascinating drama.
The narrative starts chaotically, like a messy marriage, then gradually a more assured shape evolves as the protagonists learn to navigate their relationships. Fascinating drama.
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
Training the 10-man curling team for the 17-day Winter Olympics costs the taxpayer £6.3m.
Royal Scottish National Orchestra play to audiences year round: 66 full-time musicians costs us £4.2m
It’s not about one or the other, but why the vast disparity? www.thetimes.com/article/6c3e...
Royal Scottish National Orchestra play to audiences year round: 66 full-time musicians costs us £4.2m
It’s not about one or the other, but why the vast disparity? www.thetimes.com/article/6c3e...
February 6, 2026 at 6:53 PM
Training the 10-man curling team for the 17-day Winter Olympics costs the taxpayer £6.3m.
Royal Scottish National Orchestra play to audiences year round: 66 full-time musicians costs us £4.2m
It’s not about one or the other, but why the vast disparity? www.thetimes.com/article/6c3e...
Royal Scottish National Orchestra play to audiences year round: 66 full-time musicians costs us £4.2m
It’s not about one or the other, but why the vast disparity? www.thetimes.com/article/6c3e...
I, a debonair sophisticate, am killing time before tonight's glittering first night sitting on Waterloo Station and eating a Tesco sandwich. Rock 'n' roll.
February 4, 2026 at 5:36 PM
I, a debonair sophisticate, am killing time before tonight's glittering first night sitting on Waterloo Station and eating a Tesco sandwich. Rock 'n' roll.
Looking forward to seeing Stoppard's magnificent Arcadia tonight for the first time since its original run.
February 4, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Looking forward to seeing Stoppard's magnificent Arcadia tonight for the first time since its original run.
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
Johnny Diamond just said "Of course the big news of the day is the return of The Muppets..." which works whichever way you look at it. #BBCR4Today
February 4, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Johnny Diamond just said "Of course the big news of the day is the return of The Muppets..." which works whichever way you look at it. #BBCR4Today
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
Double Olivier Award-winning actor Henry Goodman will play Gregory Solomon in Arthur Miller’s drama The Price, running at Marylebone Theatre from 17 Apr-7 Jun. The production is directed by Jonathan Munby whose recent work includes acclaimed productions of King Lear & The Merchant of Venice.
February 2, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Double Olivier Award-winning actor Henry Goodman will play Gregory Solomon in Arthur Miller’s drama The Price, running at Marylebone Theatre from 17 Apr-7 Jun. The production is directed by Jonathan Munby whose recent work includes acclaimed productions of King Lear & The Merchant of Venice.
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
What nonsense is this? Are we really going to have a debate about tax/spending on these terms? I don’t have children or living parents, yet cheerfully pay Council Tax for education and adult social care BECAUSE I LIVE IN SOCIETY
Rachel Reeves: "It is not right that people who don't go to university bear the cost for others to." I don't use local leisure centres and I don't drive, so will I be made exempt for taxation that pays for all that stuff? Or is it only education we'll be going after
January 30, 2026 at 11:21 AM
What nonsense is this? Are we really going to have a debate about tax/spending on these terms? I don’t have children or living parents, yet cheerfully pay Council Tax for education and adult social care BECAUSE I LIVE IN SOCIETY
Tonight I'll be at the ROH for the RBO (opera subsection)'s... (Honestly, there has to be an easier way to describe it. The Royal Opera, maybe? Is that not accessible enough?)
Anyway, I'll be in Covent Garden for the revival of Boris Godunov. Reviewing it for Opera mag.
Anyway, I'll be in Covent Garden for the revival of Boris Godunov. Reviewing it for Opera mag.
a man with a beard is surrounded by mathematical equations with the words deciphering acronyms be like
ALT: a man with a beard is surrounded by mathematical equations with the words deciphering acronyms be like
media.tenor.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Tonight I'll be at the ROH for the RBO (opera subsection)'s... (Honestly, there has to be an easier way to describe it. The Royal Opera, maybe? Is that not accessible enough?)
Anyway, I'll be in Covent Garden for the revival of Boris Godunov. Reviewing it for Opera mag.
Anyway, I'll be in Covent Garden for the revival of Boris Godunov. Reviewing it for Opera mag.
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
Chris Mason BBC Political Editor is paid circa £270,000 by licence payers. His expertise includes
Promoting Farage & Reform at any opportunity ✅
Avoiding challenging Farage/Reform re policies, funding, U-Turns, lies etc ✅
Producing negative PR on Govt/other parties✅
Amplifying Right Wing rhetoric ✅
Promoting Farage & Reform at any opportunity ✅
Avoiding challenging Farage/Reform re policies, funding, U-Turns, lies etc ✅
Producing negative PR on Govt/other parties✅
Amplifying Right Wing rhetoric ✅
January 27, 2026 at 10:13 AM
Chris Mason BBC Political Editor is paid circa £270,000 by licence payers. His expertise includes
Promoting Farage & Reform at any opportunity ✅
Avoiding challenging Farage/Reform re policies, funding, U-Turns, lies etc ✅
Producing negative PR on Govt/other parties✅
Amplifying Right Wing rhetoric ✅
Promoting Farage & Reform at any opportunity ✅
Avoiding challenging Farage/Reform re policies, funding, U-Turns, lies etc ✅
Producing negative PR on Govt/other parties✅
Amplifying Right Wing rhetoric ✅
Off to the Cockpit Theatre later to see Ensemble Orquesta's production of Così fan tutte.
Reviewing for Opera.
Reviewing for Opera.
a man in a pink wig is dancing in a theater
ALT: a man in a pink wig is dancing in a theater
media.tenor.com
January 24, 2026 at 8:41 AM
Off to the Cockpit Theatre later to see Ensemble Orquesta's production of Così fan tutte.
Reviewing for Opera.
Reviewing for Opera.
Top man, Ben, for sharing this.
This interview with conductor Ben Glassberg by my colleague Elisabeth Schwarz is well worth your time and a salutary reminder of the pressures performers face under the social media microscope: bachtrack.com/interview-be...
January 21, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Top man, Ben, for sharing this.
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
This interview with conductor Ben Glassberg by my colleague Elisabeth Schwarz is well worth your time and a salutary reminder of the pressures performers face under the social media microscope: bachtrack.com/interview-be...
January 16, 2026 at 10:45 AM
This interview with conductor Ben Glassberg by my colleague Elisabeth Schwarz is well worth your time and a salutary reminder of the pressures performers face under the social media microscope: bachtrack.com/interview-be...
I thoroughly enjoyed this treat from Joshua Bell and the @asmforchestra. Here's my review for @bachtrack.com
Joshua Bell and the @asmforchestra.bsky.social thrill in Schumann and Brahms @cadoganhall.bsky.social
✍️ Mark Valencia
bachtrack.com/review-bell-...
✍️ Mark Valencia
bachtrack.com/review-bell-...
January 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed this treat from Joshua Bell and the @asmforchestra. Here's my review for @bachtrack.com
I've read two grumpy online reviews of Barcelona's new Tristan und Isolde at the Liceu. Both scorned the stripped back design.
I haven't seen the show so I can't comment. However, with an opera of Tristan's unique interiority and abstraction less is always more. This one sounds right up my street.
I haven't seen the show so I can't comment. However, with an opera of Tristan's unique interiority and abstraction less is always more. This one sounds right up my street.
January 20, 2026 at 2:20 PM
I've read two grumpy online reviews of Barcelona's new Tristan und Isolde at the Liceu. Both scorned the stripped back design.
I haven't seen the show so I can't comment. However, with an opera of Tristan's unique interiority and abstraction less is always more. This one sounds right up my street.
I haven't seen the show so I can't comment. However, with an opera of Tristan's unique interiority and abstraction less is always more. This one sounds right up my street.
Tonight I'll be at Cadogan Hall to hear the ASMF and Joshua Bell in Brahms (the Vn Concerto) and Schumann (1st Symphony).
Reviewing for @bachtrack.com
Reviewing for @bachtrack.com
a cat is playing a violin in a living room
ALT: a cat is playing a violin in a living room
media.tenor.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:46 AM
Tonight I'll be at Cadogan Hall to hear the ASMF and Joshua Bell in Brahms (the Vn Concerto) and Schumann (1st Symphony).
Reviewing for @bachtrack.com
Reviewing for @bachtrack.com
Ralph Moore's searching survey of every Pelléas et Mélisande audio recording up to and including Rattle.
If you are as potty about Debussy's opera as I am, this is for you. You'll be challenged by some of his opinions... but that's the point!
www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/201...
If you are as potty about Debussy's opera as I am, this is for you. You'll be challenged by some of his opinions... but that's the point!
www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/201...
www.musicweb-international.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Ralph Moore's searching survey of every Pelléas et Mélisande audio recording up to and including Rattle.
If you are as potty about Debussy's opera as I am, this is for you. You'll be challenged by some of his opinions... but that's the point!
www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/201...
If you are as potty about Debussy's opera as I am, this is for you. You'll be challenged by some of his opinions... but that's the point!
www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/201...
Wordle 1,675 6/6
⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
That was close. My whole streak flashed before my eyes.
⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
That was close. My whole streak flashed before my eyes.
January 19, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Wordle 1,675 6/6
⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
That was close. My whole streak flashed before my eyes.
⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩⬜
⬜🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
That was close. My whole streak flashed before my eyes.
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
Reposted by Mark Valencia 🇪🇺 🇺🇦
I was moved as seldom before. A prodigious revival of RBO's La traviata that's anything but routine.
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com
Ermonela Jaho returns in triumph to The Royal Opera’s Traviata
✍️ Mark Valencia
bachtrack.com/review-travi...
✍️ Mark Valencia
bachtrack.com/review-travi...
January 10, 2026 at 2:48 AM
I was moved as seldom before. A prodigious revival of RBO's La traviata that's anything but routine.
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com
I was moved as seldom before. A prodigious revival of RBO's La traviata that's anything but routine.
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com
Ermonela Jaho returns in triumph to The Royal Opera’s Traviata
✍️ Mark Valencia
bachtrack.com/review-travi...
✍️ Mark Valencia
bachtrack.com/review-travi...
January 10, 2026 at 2:48 AM
I was moved as seldom before. A prodigious revival of RBO's La traviata that's anything but routine.
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com
★★★★★ from me at @bachtrack.com