Maurizio Benini and the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s staggering production of Leoncavallo’s Zazà is an emotional rollercoaster of gripping melodies and high drama. Centering on the story of the French music-hall singer Zazà and her estrangement from her lover Milio, the Italian composer’s poignant opera retains its gravitas in this striking production. Ermonela Jaho is committed and radiant as the titular Zazà, her warm, silvery voice relaying all the subtleties of Leoncavallo’s fateful character. Act III’s baritone aria “Zazà, piccolo zingara” is magnificent here, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra is sympathetic and ominous, underscoring Leoncavallo’s plush lyricism with vigor and urgency.