Harrison Birtwistle: Minotaur (Libretto by David Harsent)  

The music's crazy momentum - dominated by bass clarinets, lower brass, and thunderous percussion - displays Birtwistle's talents at magnificently full stretch. . . . This is the most powerful and original opera yet to have emerged this century.

The Scotsman

Harrison Birtwistle defies easy categorisation. As one of the few musicians who change the way we listen, he stands comparison with Beethoven and Wagner. He is certainly the most original composer at work in Britain today, perhaps anywhere on earth. If you don't believe me, go to The Minotaur.

Norman Lebrecht, Evening Standard