The issues that moved the composer Martinů 70 years ago to turn Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel into an opera still affect us today: refugees, a divided society, the tragic escalation into violence. When the dramatic and musical realisation of a work this relevant succeeds on such a high level, both the programme planners and the creative minds have got everything right. The Greek Passion at the Salzburg Festival 2023, thrillingly conducted by Maxime Pascal and grippingly directed by Simon Stone, wins best production of the year at Oper Awards 2024.