Sep
8
Wed
2021
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall
Sep 8 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall

High summer in New Orleans: a battlefield tour group has waded through swamps and hurricane damage to see where notorious pirate Pierre Lafitte was imprisoned in 1814. Captivated, one tourist imagines the story of Lafitte’s escape. Could it be that love was his key to freedom? Or is that just wishful thinking from Mary, whose honeymoon is turning out to be less romantic than she’d hoped…?

Incorporating folk and Creole influences, Cabildo is the only opera from pioneering composer Amy Beach, written in 1932 and not performed until after her death. Beach’s repertoire and article ‘To the Girl Who Wants to Compose’ have inspired women in music for over a century.

In this production from director Emma Jude Harris, Cabildo is thrillingly re-conceived for the present to uncover the dark underside of the American Dream. It asks, can we ever memorialise the past without bringing back the things we would rather not remember?

Cabildo arrives at Wilton’s Music Hall after an acclaimed run at Arcola Theatre’s Grimeborn Festival.

Pierre Lafitte: Kieran Rayner
Lady Valerie: Julieth Lozano

Music: Amy Beach
Libretto: Nan Bagby Stephens
Director: Emma Jude Harris
Musical director: Yshani Perinpanayagam
Set and costume designer: Zoë Hurwitz
Producer: Jessie Anand
Associate producer: Tanya Truman
Featuring the Del Mar Piano Trio
Piano – Yshani Perinpanayagam
Violin – Francesca Barritt
Cello – Morwenna Del Mar

Running time: 55 minutes, no interval

Sep
9
Thu
2021
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall
Sep 9 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall

High summer in New Orleans: a battlefield tour group has waded through swamps and hurricane damage to see where notorious pirate Pierre Lafitte was imprisoned in 1814. Captivated, one tourist imagines the story of Lafitte’s escape. Could it be that love was his key to freedom? Or is that just wishful thinking from Mary, whose honeymoon is turning out to be less romantic than she’d hoped…?

Incorporating folk and Creole influences, Cabildo is the only opera from pioneering composer Amy Beach, written in 1932 and not performed until after her death. Beach’s repertoire and article ‘To the Girl Who Wants to Compose’ have inspired women in music for over a century.

In this production from director Emma Jude Harris, Cabildo is thrillingly re-conceived for the present to uncover the dark underside of the American Dream. It asks, can we ever memorialise the past without bringing back the things we would rather not remember?

Cabildo arrives at Wilton’s Music Hall after an acclaimed run at Arcola Theatre’s Grimeborn Festival.

Pierre Lafitte: Kieran Rayner
Lady Valerie: Julieth Lozano

Music: Amy Beach
Libretto: Nan Bagby Stephens
Director: Emma Jude Harris
Musical director: Yshani Perinpanayagam
Set and costume designer: Zoë Hurwitz
Producer: Jessie Anand
Associate producer: Tanya Truman
Featuring the Del Mar Piano Trio
Piano – Yshani Perinpanayagam
Violin – Francesca Barritt
Cello – Morwenna Del Mar

Running time: 55 minutes, no interval

Sep
10
Fri
2021
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall
Sep 10 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall

High summer in New Orleans: a battlefield tour group has waded through swamps and hurricane damage to see where notorious pirate Pierre Lafitte was imprisoned in 1814. Captivated, one tourist imagines the story of Lafitte’s escape. Could it be that love was his key to freedom? Or is that just wishful thinking from Mary, whose honeymoon is turning out to be less romantic than she’d hoped…?

Incorporating folk and Creole influences, Cabildo is the only opera from pioneering composer Amy Beach, written in 1932 and not performed until after her death. Beach’s repertoire and article ‘To the Girl Who Wants to Compose’ have inspired women in music for over a century.

In this production from director Emma Jude Harris, Cabildo is thrillingly re-conceived for the present to uncover the dark underside of the American Dream. It asks, can we ever memorialise the past without bringing back the things we would rather not remember?

Cabildo arrives at Wilton’s Music Hall after an acclaimed run at Arcola Theatre’s Grimeborn Festival.

Pierre Lafitte: Kieran Rayner
Lady Valerie: Julieth Lozano

Music: Amy Beach
Libretto: Nan Bagby Stephens
Director: Emma Jude Harris
Musical director: Yshani Perinpanayagam
Set and costume designer: Zoë Hurwitz
Producer: Jessie Anand
Associate producer: Tanya Truman
Featuring the Del Mar Piano Trio
Piano – Yshani Perinpanayagam
Violin – Francesca Barritt
Cello – Morwenna Del Mar

Running time: 55 minutes, no interval

Sep
11
Sat
2021
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall
Sep 11 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Pierre Lafitte: Cabildo @ Wilton's Music Hall

High summer in New Orleans: a battlefield tour group has waded through swamps and hurricane damage to see where notorious pirate Pierre Lafitte was imprisoned in 1814. Captivated, one tourist imagines the story of Lafitte’s escape. Could it be that love was his key to freedom? Or is that just wishful thinking from Mary, whose honeymoon is turning out to be less romantic than she’d hoped…?

Incorporating folk and Creole influences, Cabildo is the only opera from pioneering composer Amy Beach, written in 1932 and not performed until after her death. Beach’s repertoire and article ‘To the Girl Who Wants to Compose’ have inspired women in music for over a century.

In this production from director Emma Jude Harris, Cabildo is thrillingly re-conceived for the present to uncover the dark underside of the American Dream. It asks, can we ever memorialise the past without bringing back the things we would rather not remember?

Cabildo arrives at Wilton’s Music Hall after an acclaimed run at Arcola Theatre’s Grimeborn Festival.

Pierre Lafitte: Kieran Rayner
Lady Valerie: Julieth Lozano

Music: Amy Beach
Libretto: Nan Bagby Stephens
Director: Emma Jude Harris
Musical director: Yshani Perinpanayagam
Set and costume designer: Zoë Hurwitz
Producer: Jessie Anand
Associate producer: Tanya Truman
Featuring the Del Mar Piano Trio
Piano – Yshani Perinpanayagam
Violin – Francesca Barritt
Cello – Morwenna Del Mar

Running time: 55 minutes, no interval

Dec
9
Thu
2021
BambinO at Home @ Online
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

BambinO at Home

An operatic adventure for 6 to 18 month olds. 5 Performances: 9 December 14:00, 10 – 11 December 11:00 & 14:00

BambinO at Home is produced by Improbable. Originally co-produced with Scottish Opera and Manchester International Festival. Made possible with support from Arts Council England and Garfield Weston Foundation.

This unique and colourful work for infants aged 6 to 18 months is a twin celebration of the possibilities of music and the power of the infant imagination. BambinO reinvents operatic language and traditions for children at an age when their minds are wide open to new sounds, images and experiences.

Following sell out runs in Paris (Théâtre du Châtelet), New York (Metropolitan Opera), Manchester International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Improbable bring you a made-for-screen adaptation so you can access the magic of BambinO wherever you are!

BambinO at Home will be streamed live and combine performance from the show with puppetry and live illustration from children’s illustrator Viviane Schwarz. We’ll also send you specially made activities and ideas to do at home as you watch with your bambini.

Soprano: Charlotte Hoather
Baritone: Kieran Rayner
Cello: Semay Wu
Percussion: Michael D Clark

Composer: Lliam Paterson
Director: Phelim McDermott
Designers: Giuseppe Belli & Emma Belli
Illustrator: Viviane Schwarz
Filming: Chocolate Films

https://www.improbable.co.uk/current-projects/bambino-at-home

Dec
10
Fri
2021
BambinO at Home @ Online
Dec 10 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am

BambinO at Home

An operatic adventure for 6 to 18 month olds. 5 Performances: 9 December 14:00, 10 – 11 December 11:00 & 14:00

BambinO at Home is produced by Improbable. Originally co-produced with Scottish Opera and Manchester International Festival. Made possible with support from Arts Council England and Garfield Weston Foundation.

This unique and colourful work for infants aged 6 to 18 months is a twin celebration of the possibilities of music and the power of the infant imagination. BambinO reinvents operatic language and traditions for children at an age when their minds are wide open to new sounds, images and experiences.

Following sell out runs in Paris (Théâtre du Châtelet), New York (Metropolitan Opera), Manchester International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Improbable bring you a made-for-screen adaptation so you can access the magic of BambinO wherever you are!

BambinO at Home will be streamed live and combine performance from the show with puppetry and live illustration from children’s illustrator Viviane Schwarz. We’ll also send you specially made activities and ideas to do at home as you watch with your bambini.

Soprano: Charlotte Hoather
Baritone: Kieran Rayner
Cello: Semay Wu
Percussion: Michael D Clark

Composer: Lliam Paterson
Director: Phelim McDermott
Designers: Giuseppe Belli & Emma Belli
Illustrator: Viviane Schwarz
Filming: Chocolate Films

https://www.improbable.co.uk/current-projects/bambino-at-home

BambinO at Home @ Online
Dec 10 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

BambinO at Home

An operatic adventure for 6 to 18 month olds. 5 Performances: 9 December 14:00, 10 – 11 December 11:00 & 14:00

BambinO at Home is produced by Improbable. Originally co-produced with Scottish Opera and Manchester International Festival. Made possible with support from Arts Council England and Garfield Weston Foundation.

This unique and colourful work for infants aged 6 to 18 months is a twin celebration of the possibilities of music and the power of the infant imagination. BambinO reinvents operatic language and traditions for children at an age when their minds are wide open to new sounds, images and experiences.

Following sell out runs in Paris (Théâtre du Châtelet), New York (Metropolitan Opera), Manchester International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Improbable bring you a made-for-screen adaptation so you can access the magic of BambinO wherever you are!

BambinO at Home will be streamed live and combine performance from the show with puppetry and live illustration from children’s illustrator Viviane Schwarz. We’ll also send you specially made activities and ideas to do at home as you watch with your bambini.

Soprano: Charlotte Hoather
Baritone: Kieran Rayner
Cello: Semay Wu
Percussion: Michael D Clark

Composer: Lliam Paterson
Director: Phelim McDermott
Designers: Giuseppe Belli & Emma Belli
Illustrator: Viviane Schwarz
Filming: Chocolate Films

https://www.improbable.co.uk/current-projects/bambino-at-home

Dec
11
Sat
2021
BambinO at Home @ Online
Dec 11 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am

BambinO at Home

An operatic adventure for 6 to 18 month olds. 5 Performances: 9 December 14:00, 10 – 11 December 11:00 & 14:00

BambinO at Home is produced by Improbable. Originally co-produced with Scottish Opera and Manchester International Festival. Made possible with support from Arts Council England and Garfield Weston Foundation.

This unique and colourful work for infants aged 6 to 18 months is a twin celebration of the possibilities of music and the power of the infant imagination. BambinO reinvents operatic language and traditions for children at an age when their minds are wide open to new sounds, images and experiences.

Following sell out runs in Paris (Théâtre du Châtelet), New York (Metropolitan Opera), Manchester International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Improbable bring you a made-for-screen adaptation so you can access the magic of BambinO wherever you are!

BambinO at Home will be streamed live and combine performance from the show with puppetry and live illustration from children’s illustrator Viviane Schwarz. We’ll also send you specially made activities and ideas to do at home as you watch with your bambini.

Soprano: Charlotte Hoather
Baritone: Kieran Rayner
Cello: Semay Wu
Percussion: Michael D Clark

Composer: Lliam Paterson
Director: Phelim McDermott
Designers: Giuseppe Belli & Emma Belli
Illustrator: Viviane Schwarz
Filming: Chocolate Films

https://www.improbable.co.uk/current-projects/bambino-at-home

BambinO at Home @ Online
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

BambinO at Home

An operatic adventure for 6 to 18 month olds. 5 Performances: 9 December 14:00, 10 – 11 December 11:00 & 14:00

BambinO at Home is produced by Improbable. Originally co-produced with Scottish Opera and Manchester International Festival. Made possible with support from Arts Council England and Garfield Weston Foundation.

This unique and colourful work for infants aged 6 to 18 months is a twin celebration of the possibilities of music and the power of the infant imagination. BambinO reinvents operatic language and traditions for children at an age when their minds are wide open to new sounds, images and experiences.

Following sell out runs in Paris (Théâtre du Châtelet), New York (Metropolitan Opera), Manchester International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Improbable bring you a made-for-screen adaptation so you can access the magic of BambinO wherever you are!

BambinO at Home will be streamed live and combine performance from the show with puppetry and live illustration from children’s illustrator Viviane Schwarz. We’ll also send you specially made activities and ideas to do at home as you watch with your bambini.

Soprano: Charlotte Hoather
Baritone: Kieran Rayner
Cello: Semay Wu
Percussion: Michael D Clark

Composer: Lliam Paterson
Director: Phelim McDermott
Designers: Giuseppe Belli & Emma Belli
Illustrator: Viviane Schwarz
Filming: Chocolate Films

https://www.improbable.co.uk/current-projects/bambino-at-home

Apr
2
Sat
2022
VIARDOT200: Viardot’s Cendrillon, a concert & more @ Dorset
Apr 2 – Apr 4 all-day

The VIARDOT200 festival in Dorset is a celebration of the bicentenary of 19th Century composer (and glamorous singer!) Pauline Viardot. The weekend festival will feature Viardot’s Cendrillon (Cinderella) in which Kieran plays Cinderella’s father Baron Duphol, plus a concert of art songs written or inspired by Viardot.

At the end of the festival, Kieran will play Hero in the premiere of young composer Zygmund de Somogyi’s chamber opera hikikomori!, an exciting new work exploring love, loss and the boundaries between fantasy and reality.

Where: Oborne, Dorset
When: Cendrillon: 2 April
Art song concert: 3 April
hikikomori! : 4 April

Booking details and further information to be announced soon.

Jun
12
Sun
2022
Aldeburgh Festival – Animal Farm (Chamber Opera) @ Snape Maltings
Jun 12 @ 5:00 pm

Composer Jasmine Morris’s multi-media chamber opera responding to George Orwell’s novel, Animal Farm. Kieran Rayne will play Farmer Jones, a ruthless investor targeting profit by any means necessary.

This promenade piece invites you to follow your guides around the spaces of the Hoffmann Building to see scenes performed.

Part of Britten Pears Young Artist Programme at 50.

Jul
9
Sat
2022
Dancaïre: Carmen (Bizet) – Longborough Festival Opera @ Longborough Festival Opera
Jul 9 @ 5:00 pm
Bizet’s tragedy Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time – a tale of passion, jealousy and freedom.

Jeremy Silver conducts, with director Mathilde Lopez returning to Longborough following “a punky take” (★★★★ The Times) on Cavalli’s La Calisto in 2019, for what promises to be a radical version of a much-loved classic.

Please note that this production contains adult themes.

Jul
10
Sun
2022
Dancaïre: Carmen (Bizet) – Longborough Festival Opera @ Longborough Festival Opera
Jul 10 @ 5:00 pm
Bizet’s tragedy Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time – a tale of passion, jealousy and freedom.

Jeremy Silver conducts, with director Mathilde Lopez returning to Longborough following “a punky take” (★★★★ The Times) on Cavalli’s La Calisto in 2019, for what promises to be a radical version of a much-loved classic.

Please note that this production contains adult themes.

Jul
12
Tue
2022
Dancaïre: Carmen (Bizet) – Longborough Festival Opera @ Longborough Festival Opera
Jul 12 @ 5:00 pm
Bizet’s tragedy Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time – a tale of passion, jealousy and freedom.

Jeremy Silver conducts, with director Mathilde Lopez returning to Longborough following “a punky take” (★★★★ The Times) on Cavalli’s La Calisto in 2019, for what promises to be a radical version of a much-loved classic.

Please note that this production contains adult themes.

Jul
14
Thu
2022
Dancaïre: Carmen (Bizet) – Longborough Festival Opera @ Longborough Festival Opera
Jul 14 @ 5:00 pm
Bizet’s tragedy Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time – a tale of passion, jealousy and freedom.

Jeremy Silver conducts, with director Mathilde Lopez returning to Longborough following “a punky take” (★★★★ The Times) on Cavalli’s La Calisto in 2019, for what promises to be a radical version of a much-loved classic.

Please note that this production contains adult themes.

Jul
16
Sat
2022
Dancaïre: Carmen (Bizet) – Longborough Festival Opera @ Longborough Festival Opera
Jul 16 @ 5:00 pm
Bizet’s tragedy Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time – a tale of passion, jealousy and freedom.

Jeremy Silver conducts, with director Mathilde Lopez returning to Longborough following “a punky take” (★★★★ The Times) on Cavalli’s La Calisto in 2019, for what promises to be a radical version of a much-loved classic.

Please note that this production contains adult themes.

Jul
17
Sun
2022
Dancaïre: Carmen (Bizet) – Longborough Festival Opera @ Longborough Festival Opera
Jul 17 @ 5:00 pm
Bizet’s tragedy Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time – a tale of passion, jealousy and freedom.

Jeremy Silver conducts, with director Mathilde Lopez returning to Longborough following “a punky take” (★★★★ The Times) on Cavalli’s La Calisto in 2019, for what promises to be a radical version of a much-loved classic.

Please note that this production contains adult themes.

Jul
19
Tue
2022
Dancaïre: Carmen (Bizet) – Longborough Festival Opera @ Longborough Festival Opera
Jul 19 @ 5:00 pm
Bizet’s tragedy Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time – a tale of passion, jealousy and freedom.

Jeremy Silver conducts, with director Mathilde Lopez returning to Longborough following “a punky take” (★★★★ The Times) on Cavalli’s La Calisto in 2019, for what promises to be a radical version of a much-loved classic.

Please note that this production contains adult themes.

Aug
26
Fri
2022
Périchaud: La Rondine (Puccini) – IF Opera @ Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Aug 26 @ 7:00 pm

La rondine (The Swallow) is a moving tale of young love and heartbreak – and what else, you may ask, is opera about? Arguably Puccini’s most modern opera, La rondine was premiered in Monte Carlo in 1917, and includes one of Puccini’s most gorgeous creations, the quartet, ‘Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso’ (I drink to your beautiful smile).

Magda is our ‘rondine’ , the bird who flies towards the sun, and Ruggero is the shy country boy who eventually becomes her lover. We witness their relationship unfold in the colourful locales of Paris and the balmier climes of southern France. The love ‘quadrangle’ is made complete by Prunier, a centre-of-attention poet and Magda’s fiery maid, Lisette. Amidst waltzes, foxtrots, and soaring melodies, join us for an unmissable evening of sophistication and glamour in the enchanting surroundings of Grade 1 listed Belcombe Court.

Director Bruno Ravella, a former Iford Arts favourite, joins us fresh from extraordinary acclaim for his Rosenkavalier at Garsington in 2021, and If Opera’s Artistic Director Oliver Gooch conducts.

Aug
27
Sat
2022
Gasparo: Rita (Donizetti) – IF Opera @ Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Aug 27 @ 7:00 pm

Rita, the somewhat tyrannical inn-owner and wife of Peppe is shocked by the return of her former husband Gasparo whom she had thought dead by drowning (he had run away to far-off lands). Gasparo is back to acquire Rita’s death certificate so he can remarry – because he, in turn, thought she had died. In the middle is poor Peppe who wants out, and perhaps Gasparo’s return provides the opportunity? The opera is a comedy of deceit and ill-manners (it was originally called The Beaten Husband which tells you something of Rita’s inclinations) but it glitters with Donizetti’s trademark vivacity, formed around eight core musical ‘numbers’ connected by spoken dialogue. The opera has, in the past few decades, become one of the most frequently performed of Donizetti’s short operas.

Aug
29
Mon
2022
Périchaud: La Rondine (Puccini) – IF Opera @ Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Aug 29 @ 7:00 pm

La rondine (The Swallow) is a moving tale of young love and heartbreak – and what else, you may ask, is opera about? Arguably Puccini’s most modern opera, La rondine was premiered in Monte Carlo in 1917, and includes one of Puccini’s most gorgeous creations, the quartet, ‘Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso’ (I drink to your beautiful smile).

Magda is our ‘rondine’ , the bird who flies towards the sun, and Ruggero is the shy country boy who eventually becomes her lover. We witness their relationship unfold in the colourful locales of Paris and the balmier climes of southern France. The love ‘quadrangle’ is made complete by Prunier, a centre-of-attention poet and Magda’s fiery maid, Lisette. Amidst waltzes, foxtrots, and soaring melodies, join us for an unmissable evening of sophistication and glamour in the enchanting surroundings of Grade 1 listed Belcombe Court.

Director Bruno Ravella, a former Iford Arts favourite, joins us fresh from extraordinary acclaim for his Rosenkavalier at Garsington in 2021, and If Opera’s Artistic Director Oliver Gooch conducts.

Aug
31
Wed
2022
Gasparo: Rita (Donizetti) – IF Opera @ Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm

Rita, the somewhat tyrannical inn-owner and wife of Peppe is shocked by the return of her former husband Gasparo whom she had thought dead by drowning (he had run away to far-off lands). Gasparo is back to acquire Rita’s death certificate so he can remarry – because he, in turn, thought she had died. In the middle is poor Peppe who wants out, and perhaps Gasparo’s return provides the opportunity? The opera is a comedy of deceit and ill-manners (it was originally called The Beaten Husband which tells you something of Rita’s inclinations) but it glitters with Donizetti’s trademark vivacity, formed around eight core musical ‘numbers’ connected by spoken dialogue. The opera has, in the past few decades, become one of the most frequently performed of Donizetti’s short operas.

Sep
1
Thu
2022
Périchaud: La Rondine (Puccini) – IF Opera @ Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Sep 1 @ 7:00 pm

La rondine (The Swallow) is a moving tale of young love and heartbreak – and what else, you may ask, is opera about? Arguably Puccini’s most modern opera, La rondine was premiered in Monte Carlo in 1917, and includes one of Puccini’s most gorgeous creations, the quartet, ‘Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso’ (I drink to your beautiful smile).

Magda is our ‘rondine’ , the bird who flies towards the sun, and Ruggero is the shy country boy who eventually becomes her lover. We witness their relationship unfold in the colourful locales of Paris and the balmier climes of southern France. The love ‘quadrangle’ is made complete by Prunier, a centre-of-attention poet and Magda’s fiery maid, Lisette. Amidst waltzes, foxtrots, and soaring melodies, join us for an unmissable evening of sophistication and glamour in the enchanting surroundings of Grade 1 listed Belcombe Court.

Director Bruno Ravella, a former Iford Arts favourite, joins us fresh from extraordinary acclaim for his Rosenkavalier at Garsington in 2021, and If Opera’s Artistic Director Oliver Gooch conducts.

Sep
2
Fri
2022
Aeneas: Dido & Aeneas (Purcell) – IF Opera @ Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Sep 2 @ 7:00 pm

The course of true love runs far from smooth for Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Trojan hero Aeneas in Purcell’s famous opera.  We are thrilled that our If Opera Company singers will be working with guest conductor Christopher Bucknall for this very special concert performance of Dido and Aeneas.  Intimate in scale, this timeless tale of love and anguish, sorcery, war and betrayal punches well above its weight and includes one of the most beautiful arias in all Baroque opera – When I am Laid in Earth.

DIDO Fleur Barron
AENEAS Kieran Rayner
SORCERESS Katherine McIndoe
BELINDA Nardus Williams
FIRST WITCH Lorena Paz Nieto
SECOND WITCH Helen Maree Cooper

Sep
3
Sat
2022
Périchaud: La Rondine (Puccini) – IF Opera @ Belcombe Court, Bradford-on-Avon
Sep 3 @ 7:00 pm

La rondine (The Swallow) is a moving tale of young love and heartbreak – and what else, you may ask, is opera about? Arguably Puccini’s most modern opera, La rondine was premiered in Monte Carlo in 1917, and includes one of Puccini’s most gorgeous creations, the quartet, ‘Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso’ (I drink to your beautiful smile).

Magda is our ‘rondine’ , the bird who flies towards the sun, and Ruggero is the shy country boy who eventually becomes her lover. We witness their relationship unfold in the colourful locales of Paris and the balmier climes of southern France. The love ‘quadrangle’ is made complete by Prunier, a centre-of-attention poet and Magda’s fiery maid, Lisette. Amidst waltzes, foxtrots, and soaring melodies, join us for an unmissable evening of sophistication and glamour in the enchanting surroundings of Grade 1 listed Belcombe Court.

Director Bruno Ravella, a former Iford Arts favourite, joins us fresh from extraordinary acclaim for his Rosenkavalier at Garsington in 2021, and If Opera’s Artistic Director Oliver Gooch conducts.

Oct
30
Sun
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Snape Maltings
Oct 30 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Oct
31
Mon
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Snape Maltings
Oct 31 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Nov
13
Sun
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre
Nov 13 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Nov
15
Tue
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre
Nov 15 @ 7:45 pm – 9:45 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Nov
16
Wed
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre
Nov 16 @ 7:45 pm – 9:45 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Nov
18
Fri
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre
Nov 18 @ 7:45 pm – 9:45 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Nov
19
Sat
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre
Nov 19 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Nov
21
Mon
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre
Nov 21 @ 7:45 pm – 9:45 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Nov
22
Tue
2022
Junius: The Rape of Lucretia – Royal Opera House/BPA @ Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre
Nov 22 @ 7:45 pm – 9:45 pm

A co-production by Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera House.

In a world brutalised by conflict, one woman’s experience of horrific violence becomes the defining moment of an era.

Benjamin Britten’s shattering chamber opera explores some of the darkest drives in the human psyche – and what happens when power and war give them free rein. In this contemporary new staging, Oliver Mears directs, while Corinna Niemeyer conducts a cast drawn from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and the Jette Parker Artists Programme.

Throughout the autumn, we will be exploring aspects of this production and its wider context in a series of talks and presentations online. Keep your eye on the website for more details.

 

Feb
14
Tue
2023
Papageno: Die Zauberflöte (Festival Opera, NZ) @ Napier Municipal Theatre
Feb 14 @ 7:00 pm

Presented for the Art Deco Festival, Festival Opera proudly presents W A Mozart’s masterpiece, The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). Sung in German with English dialogues and accompanied by a live orchestra. Presented by Festival Opera – 14,16,18 and 20 February 2023 at the Napier Municipal Theatre.

Kieran makes his first return to NZ in three years to play Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute for Festival Opera in beautiful Napier, Hawke’s Bay. Joined by a strong cast of established singers and up-and-coming talent, this entertaining and energetic show is not to be missed!

One year on from the original planned season, we can finally step into the fairy-tale world of Mozart’s triumphant last opera The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). It’s crammed full of entertaining characters who are motivated by passion or by hate, but all in search of the ultimate truth.

Danger, magic, tests of integrity, and actions both honourable and foul sweep us up into an enchanting tale where nothing is quite as it seems. This celebrated opera is widely believed to be one of the most magically heart-stopping compositions ever written, featuring many recognisable melodies that have stood the test of time. In our 2023 season, the work is performed by Aotearoa’s finest operatic talent.

Principal Stage Director John Wilkie and Conductor José Aparicio will lead an outstanding cast headlined by Aotearoa’s most promising young tenor, NZ Aria Winner, Lexus Song Quest Finalist and Project Prima Volta graduate, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, who takes the role of Tamino. He shares the stage with many other PPV graduates, and established professionals including Emma Pearson who debuts with Festival Opera performing the role of Pamina, Baritone Kieran Rayner who returns to Festival Opera to sing Papageno and Mezzo-Soprano Kirstin Darragh, also in her debut with Festival Opera, singing the role of Third Lady.

The fully staged opera will also feature the Festival Opera Junior Chorus and PPV Senior members.

Project Prima Volta’s participation in The Magic Flute is made possible through the generous support of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.

 

Feb
16
Thu
2023
Papageno: Die Zauberflöte (Festival Opera, NZ) @ Napier Municipal Theatre
Feb 16 @ 5:00 pm

Presented for the Art Deco Festival, Festival Opera proudly presents W A Mozart’s masterpiece, The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). Sung in German with English dialogues and accompanied by a live orchestra. Presented by Festival Opera – 14,16,18 and 20 February 2023 at the Napier Municipal Theatre.

Kieran makes his first return to NZ in three years to play Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute for Festival Opera in beautiful Napier, Hawke’s Bay. Joined by a strong cast of established singers and up-and-coming talent, this entertaining and energetic show is not to be missed!

One year on from the original planned season, we can finally step into the fairy-tale world of Mozart’s triumphant last opera The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). It’s crammed full of entertaining characters who are motivated by passion or by hate, but all in search of the ultimate truth.

Danger, magic, tests of integrity, and actions both honourable and foul sweep us up into an enchanting tale where nothing is quite as it seems. This celebrated opera is widely believed to be one of the most magically heart-stopping compositions ever written, featuring many recognisable melodies that have stood the test of time. In our 2023 season, the work is performed by Aotearoa’s finest operatic talent.

Principal Stage Director John Wilkie and Conductor José Aparicio will lead an outstanding cast headlined by Aotearoa’s most promising young tenor, NZ Aria Winner, Lexus Song Quest Finalist and Project Prima Volta graduate, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, who takes the role of Tamino. He shares the stage with many other PPV graduates, and established professionals including Emma Pearson who debuts with Festival Opera performing the role of Pamina, Baritone Kieran Rayner who returns to Festival Opera to sing Papageno and Mezzo-Soprano Kirstin Darragh, also in her debut with Festival Opera, singing the role of Third Lady.

The fully staged opera will also feature the Festival Opera Junior Chorus and PPV Senior members.

Project Prima Volta’s participation in The Magic Flute is made possible through the generous support of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.

 

Feb
18
Sat
2023
Papageno: Die Zauberflöte (Festival Opera, NZ) @ Napier Municipal Theatre
Feb 18 @ 7:00 pm

Presented for the Art Deco Festival, Festival Opera proudly presents W A Mozart’s masterpiece, The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). Sung in German with English dialogues and accompanied by a live orchestra. Presented by Festival Opera – 14,16,18 and 20 February 2023 at the Napier Municipal Theatre.

Kieran makes his first return to NZ in three years to play Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute for Festival Opera in beautiful Napier, Hawke’s Bay. Joined by a strong cast of established singers and up-and-coming talent, this entertaining and energetic show is not to be missed!

One year on from the original planned season, we can finally step into the fairy-tale world of Mozart’s triumphant last opera The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). It’s crammed full of entertaining characters who are motivated by passion or by hate, but all in search of the ultimate truth.

Danger, magic, tests of integrity, and actions both honourable and foul sweep us up into an enchanting tale where nothing is quite as it seems. This celebrated opera is widely believed to be one of the most magically heart-stopping compositions ever written, featuring many recognisable melodies that have stood the test of time. In our 2023 season, the work is performed by Aotearoa’s finest operatic talent.

Principal Stage Director John Wilkie and Conductor José Aparicio will lead an outstanding cast headlined by Aotearoa’s most promising young tenor, NZ Aria Winner, Lexus Song Quest Finalist and Project Prima Volta graduate, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, who takes the role of Tamino. He shares the stage with many other PPV graduates, and established professionals including Emma Pearson who debuts with Festival Opera performing the role of Pamina, Baritone Kieran Rayner who returns to Festival Opera to sing Papageno and Mezzo-Soprano Kirstin Darragh, also in her debut with Festival Opera, singing the role of Third Lady.

The fully staged opera will also feature the Festival Opera Junior Chorus and PPV Senior members.

Project Prima Volta’s participation in The Magic Flute is made possible through the generous support of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.

 

Feb
20
Mon
2023
Papageno: Die Zauberflöte (Festival Opera, NZ) @ Napier Municipal Theatre
Feb 20 @ 11:00 am

Presented for the Art Deco Festival, Festival Opera proudly presents W A Mozart’s masterpiece, The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). Sung in German with English dialogues and accompanied by a live orchestra. Presented by Festival Opera – 14,16,18 and 20 February 2023 at the Napier Municipal Theatre.

Kieran makes his first return to NZ in three years to play Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute for Festival Opera in beautiful Napier, Hawke’s Bay. Joined by a strong cast of established singers and up-and-coming talent, this entertaining and energetic show is not to be missed!

One year on from the original planned season, we can finally step into the fairy-tale world of Mozart’s triumphant last opera The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte). It’s crammed full of entertaining characters who are motivated by passion or by hate, but all in search of the ultimate truth.

Danger, magic, tests of integrity, and actions both honourable and foul sweep us up into an enchanting tale where nothing is quite as it seems. This celebrated opera is widely believed to be one of the most magically heart-stopping compositions ever written, featuring many recognisable melodies that have stood the test of time. In our 2023 season, the work is performed by Aotearoa’s finest operatic talent.

Principal Stage Director John Wilkie and Conductor José Aparicio will lead an outstanding cast headlined by Aotearoa’s most promising young tenor, NZ Aria Winner, Lexus Song Quest Finalist and Project Prima Volta graduate, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, who takes the role of Tamino. He shares the stage with many other PPV graduates, and established professionals including Emma Pearson who debuts with Festival Opera performing the role of Pamina, Baritone Kieran Rayner who returns to Festival Opera to sing Papageno and Mezzo-Soprano Kirstin Darragh, also in her debut with Festival Opera, singing the role of Third Lady.

The fully staged opera will also feature the Festival Opera Junior Chorus and PPV Senior members.

Project Prima Volta’s participation in The Magic Flute is made possible through the generous support of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.

 

Jul
6
Thu
2023
Billy Bones: Captain Blood’s Revenge – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 6 @ 12:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Jul
8
Sat
2023
Billy Bones: Captain Blood’s Revenge – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 8 @ 12:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Escamillo: Carmen – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 8 @ 7:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Jul
9
Sun
2023
Escamillo: Carmen – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 9 @ 7:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Jul
10
Mon
2023
Billy Bones: Captain Blood’s Revenge – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 10 @ 12:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Jul
13
Thu
2023
Escamillo: Carmen – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 13 @ 7:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Jul
14
Fri
2023
Escamillo: Carmen – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 14 @ 7:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Jul
16
Sun
2023
Billy Bones: Captain Blood’s Revenge – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 16 @ 12:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Escamillo: Carmen – Norwich Opera Festival @ The Octagon
Jul 16 @ 7:00 pm

Kieran will make his role debut as Escamillo in Carmen, and play Billy Bones in a new opera Captain Blood’s Revenge, for the Norwich Into Opera Festival this summer. More details to follow.

Aug
16
Wed
2023
Sorcerer: Dido & Aeneas – Waterperry Opera Festival @ Waterperry
Aug 16 @ 6:30 pm

Kieran will sing the villainous Sorcerer in Waterperry’s Double Bill of Dido & Aeneas and Acis & Galatea.

Acis and Galatea. The ethereal nymph, Galatea, is in love with a youthful shepherd, Acis. All seems serene, until their love is threatened by the jealousy of the monstrous Polyphemus. Directed by Rebecca Meltzer (Svadba, Hansel and Gretel, Ariel, Mansfield Park) this new production celebrates the beauty of Handel’s music coupled with Waterperry’s natural spaces.

Dido and Aeneas. Tribal Queen Dido struggles to keep power in her court as Prince Aeneas comes to ask for her hand in marriage and an alliance between factions. Treachery and sedition threaten to tear a nation and a marriage asunder. Directed by Guy Withers (Peter and the Wolf, The Diary of One Who Disappeared), this beloved English operatic gem takes a dark turn in a bold new production.

Aug
18
Fri
2023
Sorcerer: Dido & Aeneas – Waterperry Opera Festival @ Waterperry
Aug 18 @ 6:30 pm

Kieran will sing the villainous Sorcerer in Waterperry’s Double Bill of Dido & Aeneas and Acis & Galatea.

Acis and Galatea. The ethereal nymph, Galatea, is in love with a youthful shepherd, Acis. All seems serene, until their love is threatened by the jealousy of the monstrous Polyphemus. Directed by Rebecca Meltzer (Svadba, Hansel and Gretel, Ariel, Mansfield Park) this new production celebrates the beauty of Handel’s music coupled with Waterperry’s natural spaces.

Dido and Aeneas. Tribal Queen Dido struggles to keep power in her court as Prince Aeneas comes to ask for her hand in marriage and an alliance between factions. Treachery and sedition threaten to tear a nation and a marriage asunder. Directed by Guy Withers (Peter and the Wolf, The Diary of One Who Disappeared), this beloved English operatic gem takes a dark turn in a bold new production.

Aug
20
Sun
2023
Sorcerer: Dido & Aeneas – Waterperry Opera Festival @ Waterperry
Aug 20 @ 6:30 pm

Kieran will sing the villainous Sorcerer in Waterperry’s Double Bill of Dido & Aeneas and Acis & Galatea.

Acis and Galatea. The ethereal nymph, Galatea, is in love with a youthful shepherd, Acis. All seems serene, until their love is threatened by the jealousy of the monstrous Polyphemus. Directed by Rebecca Meltzer (Svadba, Hansel and Gretel, Ariel, Mansfield Park) this new production celebrates the beauty of Handel’s music coupled with Waterperry’s natural spaces.

Dido and Aeneas. Tribal Queen Dido struggles to keep power in her court as Prince Aeneas comes to ask for her hand in marriage and an alliance between factions. Treachery and sedition threaten to tear a nation and a marriage asunder. Directed by Guy Withers (Peter and the Wolf, The Diary of One Who Disappeared), this beloved English operatic gem takes a dark turn in a bold new production.