“… the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, is on keen form in the pit, with US/German conductor Evan Rogister maintaining momentum throughout and particularly relishing the sonically spicy Turkish-influenced music that brings such strikingly vivid colour to Mozart’s score.”
The Stage
“Evan Rogister conducts the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with flair and sprightly energy. There is much emotional complexity in Mozart’s score and Rogister delivers in spades. It’s a classical interpretation of the work, but that’s part of the magic. A stunning production.”
Broadway World
“…the success of this text-heavy Singspiel is the chorus (with their sycophantic hymns of praise to the Pasha) and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment who, under Evan Rogister, illuminate Mozart’s musical riches with great refinement, gamely bringing out all its Turkish exotica.”
Opera Today
“Die Entführung aus dem Serail has one of the composer’s richest, most engaging scores … In 2026, at its first revival (at Glyndebourne) in 11 years, the result was a triumph … all masterfully managed by Evan Rogister. The stock of this sure-footed conductor rises at every encounter and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment played like angels under his baton. In tandem with McVicar’s visually sumptuous production, the German-American conductor’s attention to musical variety and exotic beauty beguiled a rapt and eventually roaring Glyndebourne audience.”
Bachtrack
“From the opening notes of the overture, it was clear that conductor Evan Rogister pulled no punches. This was vital music, the detail crisp, the accents punched out, and the Turkish elements relished but not over done. Throughout the evening, we were able to enjoy not just the fine solo elements from the orchestra, but the way different timbres and textures were brought out. And this is a work which does push boundaries, even to having basset horns.”
Planet Hugill
“From the Ottoman-influenced martial percussion of the overture of Die Entführung, conductor Evan Rogister controlled the dramatic tempo of the work and internal dynamics of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with skill and sensitivity.”
London Unattached
“Under Evan Rogister, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment gave Mozart’s tender, playful score irresistible momentum.”
The Argus