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.

Sep
3
Sun
2023
Frankie – 1944: Home Fires @ The Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone
Sep 3 @ 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Ivor Novello (tenor): Alfred Mitchell
‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser (baritone): Kieran Rayner
Clara Novello Davies, Ivor’s mother (soprano): Olivia Bell
Prison Warder (bass-baritone): Anthony Lloyd

The idol and the thug: well-known Queer Ivor Novello was the most successful composer and matinee idol of the 30s and 40s.  In 1944 he was banged up in Wormwood Scrubs for fiddling his petrol coupons. He shared a cell with a homophobe: 20-year-old ‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser, the terror of South London gangland. What could possibly go wrong?  

This almost-true story explores class war, electric shock treatment, the nature of masculinity – and how to rebuild a life you think is in ruins.

Music: Robert Ely
Words: Peter Scott-Presland
Director: Emily Beech
Music Director: Joe Tobin
Repetiteur: Jack Campbell
Lighting Design: John Brand

Sep
6
Wed
2023
Frankie – 1944: Home Fires @ The Tower Theatre, Stoke Newington
Sep 6 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Ivor Novello (tenor): Alfred Mitchell
‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser (baritone): Kieran Rayner
Clara Novello Davies, Ivor’s mother (soprano): Olivia Bell
Prison Warder (bass-baritone): Anthony Lloyd

The idol and the thug: well-known Queer Ivor Novello was the most successful composer and matinee idol of the 30s and 40s.  In 1944 he was banged up in Wormwood Scrubs for fiddling his petrol coupons. He shared a cell with a homophobe: 20-year-old ‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser, the terror of South London gangland. What could possibly go wrong?  

This almost-true story explores class war, electric shock treatment, the nature of masculinity – and how to rebuild a life you think is in ruins.

Music: Robert Ely
Words: Peter Scott-Presland
Director: Emily Beech
Music Director: Joe Tobin
Repetiteur: Jack Campbell
Lighting Design: John Brand

Sep
13
Wed
2023
Francis – Displaced @ Woolwich Works
Sep 13 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Music: Omar Shahryar
Words: Hannah Kumari
Created by PJ Harris and Hannah Kumari
A work-in-progress performance.

In the shadow of international unrest, the increasingly militant Suffragettes plan an attack which could change the history of Woolwich Arsenal FC forever.

Annie is a football fan, and a Suffragette. Francis is a munitions factory worker, and a father. William is a Scottish immigrant and a professional footballer. When ruthless businessman Henry Norris buys ailing Woolwich Arsenal FC and attempts to displace the club north of the river, the intertwined lives of these three Woolwich residents take a dramatic turn.

Age Rating: All ages, mostly adults.

Content Advisory: to see content advisories for Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival 2023 shows, click here.

Produced by PJ Harris & Hannah Kumari, in association with English National Opera

Jan
16
Tue
2024
POSTPONED – Frank: Die Fledermaus – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra @ Israel (tour)
Jan 16 @ 8:00 pm

In cooperation with the Vienna-Tel Aviv Vocal Connection

Strauss‘s opera Die Fledermaus, with conductor David Aronson, Shahar Choir (Gila Brill, conductor) and soloists from Israel and abroad.

David Aronson, conductor
Rosemarie Danziger, stage director

Rosalinde: Efrat Ashkenazi (The Israeli Opera)

Adele: Emily Rocha (Toronto, International Award Winning Artist)

Alfred: Franz Gürtelschmied (Bastille Opera, Paris; Graz Opera; Budapest Opera)

Eisenstein: Martin Mairinger (Klagenfurt Opera, Austria; Opéra de Lille, France; Klosterneuburg Opera, Austria; Theater an der Wien, Austria)

Frank: Kieran Rayner (Covent Garden; Welsh Opera; Scottish National Opera)

Falke: Mark Nathan (Welsh National Opera; Scottish Opera; Irish Opera)

Dr. Blind: Richard Roberts (English National Opera; Welsh National Opera; Theater Kiel, Germany; Theater Kassel, Germany)

Prince Orlofsky: Christiane Döcker: (Leipzig Opera, Germany; Klagenfurt Opera, Austria)

Ida: Sivan Keren (The Israeli Opera)

Ivan/Frosch: Joel Landshut (Actor)

Jan
19
Fri
2024
POSTPONED – Frank: Die Fledermaus – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra @ Israel (tour)
Jan 19 @ 8:00 pm

In cooperation with the Vienna-Tel Aviv Vocal Connection

Strauss‘s opera Die Fledermaus, with conductor David Aronson, Shahar Choir (Gila Brill, conductor) and soloists from Israel and abroad.

David Aronson, conductor
Rosemarie Danziger, stage director

Rosalinde: Efrat Ashkenazi (The Israeli Opera)

Adele: Emily Rocha (Toronto, International Award Winning Artist)

Alfred: Franz Gürtelschmied (Bastille Opera, Paris; Graz Opera; Budapest Opera)

Eisenstein: Martin Mairinger (Klagenfurt Opera, Austria; Opéra de Lille, France; Klosterneuburg Opera, Austria; Theater an der Wien, Austria)

Frank: Kieran Rayner (Covent Garden; Welsh Opera; Scottish National Opera)

Falke: Mark Nathan (Welsh National Opera; Scottish Opera; Irish Opera)

Dr. Blind: Richard Roberts (English National Opera; Welsh National Opera; Theater Kiel, Germany; Theater Kassel, Germany)

Prince Orlofsky: Christiane Döcker: (Leipzig Opera, Germany; Klagenfurt Opera, Austria)

Ida: Sivan Keren (The Israeli Opera)

Ivan/Frosch: Joel Landshut (Actor)

Jan
20
Sat
2024
POSTPONED – Frank: Die Fledermaus – Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra @ Israel (tour)
Jan 20 @ 8:00 pm

In cooperation with the Vienna-Tel Aviv Vocal Connection

Strauss‘s opera Die Fledermaus, with conductor David Aronson, Shahar Choir (Gila Brill, conductor) and soloists from Israel and abroad.

David Aronson, conductor
Rosemarie Danziger, stage director

Rosalinde: Efrat Ashkenazi (The Israeli Opera)

Adele: Emily Rocha (Toronto, International Award Winning Artist)

Alfred: Franz Gürtelschmied (Bastille Opera, Paris; Graz Opera; Budapest Opera)

Eisenstein: Martin Mairinger (Klagenfurt Opera, Austria; Opéra de Lille, France; Klosterneuburg Opera, Austria; Theater an der Wien, Austria)

Frank: Kieran Rayner (Covent Garden; Welsh Opera; Scottish National Opera)

Falke: Mark Nathan (Welsh National Opera; Scottish Opera; Irish Opera)

Dr. Blind: Richard Roberts (English National Opera; Welsh National Opera; Theater Kiel, Germany; Theater Kassel, Germany)

Prince Orlofsky: Christiane Döcker: (Leipzig Opera, Germany; Klagenfurt Opera, Austria)

Ida: Sivan Keren (The Israeli Opera)

Ivan/Frosch: Joel Landshut (Actor)

Feb
23
Fri
2024
Opera Concert Tour NZ @ Auckland & Wellington
Feb 23 @ 7:00 pm
We are over the moon to introduce our Opera Tour artists: 
  • Whangārei soprano, Sophie Sparrow, for all the concerts
  • Cheviot tenor, Harry Grigg, for all the concerts
  • Kāpiti baritone, Kieran Rayner, for the Auckland and Wellington concerts
  • Australian-Cypriot mezzo, Shakira Tsindos, for all the concerts.
We are very lucky to have these London-based artists join us in New Zealand.
We are also thrilled to have the extraordinary pianists, Juan Kim, playing for the Whangārei and Auckland concerts, and Bruce Greenfield in Wellington.
The concert will include a rich selection of scenes, arias and ensembles, from baroque and bel canto to Britten and Bernstein.
We hope to see you there!
Mar
1
Fri
2024
Opera Concert Tour NZ @ Auckland & Wellington
Mar 1 @ 7:00 pm
We are over the moon to introduce our Opera Tour artists: 
  • Whangārei soprano, Sophie Sparrow, for all the concerts
  • Cheviot tenor, Harry Grigg, for all the concerts
  • Kāpiti baritone, Kieran Rayner, for the Auckland and Wellington concerts
  • Australian-Cypriot mezzo, Shakira Tsindos, for all the concerts.
We are very lucky to have these London-based artists join us in New Zealand.
We are also thrilled to have the extraordinary pianists, Juan Kim, playing for the Whangārei and Auckland concerts, and Bruce Greenfield in Wellington.
The concert will include a rich selection of scenes, arias and ensembles, from baroque and bel canto to Britten and Bernstein.
We hope to see you there!
Jul
10
Wed
2024
Aeneas: Dido & Aeneas, Somerset Opera @ Great Hall of the Museum of Somerset
Jul 10 @ 7:30 pm

Somerset Opera present Dido and Aeneas

Directed by Guido Martin Brandis, conducted by Noah Mosley.

Experience Purcell’s timeless music performed by sublime soloists and Somerset Opera with the Taunton Sinfonietta beside the 4th Century Low Ham Mosaic. Marvel at this beautiful and ancient piece of narrative art – which depicts the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas within the atmospheric surroundings of the Great Hall of the Museum of Somerset.

More information and tickets can be found on Somerset Opera’s website.

Jul
11
Thu
2024
Aeneas: Dido & Aeneas, Somerset Opera @ Great Hall of the Museum of Somerset
Jul 11 @ 7:30 pm

Somerset Opera present Dido and Aeneas

Directed by Guido Martin Brandis, conducted by Noah Mosley.

Experience Purcell’s timeless music performed by sublime soloists and Somerset Opera with the Taunton Sinfonietta beside the 4th Century Low Ham Mosaic. Marvel at this beautiful and ancient piece of narrative art – which depicts the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas within the atmospheric surroundings of the Great Hall of the Museum of Somerset.

More information and tickets can be found on Somerset Opera’s website.

Jul
12
Fri
2024
Aeneas: Dido & Aeneas, Somerset Opera @ Great Hall of the Museum of Somerset
Jul 12 @ 7:30 pm

Somerset Opera present Dido and Aeneas

Directed by Guido Martin Brandis, conducted by Noah Mosley.

Experience Purcell’s timeless music performed by sublime soloists and Somerset Opera with the Taunton Sinfonietta beside the 4th Century Low Ham Mosaic. Marvel at this beautiful and ancient piece of narrative art – which depicts the tragic love story of Dido and Aeneas within the atmospheric surroundings of the Great Hall of the Museum of Somerset.

More information and tickets can be found on Somerset Opera’s website.

Aug
10
Sat
2024
Bartolo: Barber of Seville @ Waterperry Opera Festival
Aug 10 @ 6:30 pm
Performances on the 10, 11, 14, 15 & 17 of August 2024
Location: Waterperry Main Stage
Start Time & DurationPerformances start at 6:30pm. There is one extended dining interval. Performances end at approx. 9:45pm.

Overflowing with wit, charm, and famous melodies, The Barber of Seville is our unmissable headline opera this year. Step into Rossini’s vibrant world, a whirlwind of comedic chaos and romantic mischief performed on our main stage in front of the glorious façade of Waterperry House.

In the bustling streets of Seville, the charming and quick-witted Figaro, barber extraordinaire, concocts a cunning plan to help his lovelorn friend, Count Almaviva, win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. With hilarious disguises and mischievous schemes, Figaro orchestrates a series of escapades to outwit Rosina’s overbearing guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who has his own designs on marrying her for her wealth. As the plot twists and turns, audiences are treated to Rossini’s lively melodies and effervescent arias that evoke laughter and joy.

Opera by Gioachino Rossini.

Performed in English on our Main Stage in front of Waterperry House.

​English Translation by Christopher Cowell.

Aug
11
Sun
2024
Bartolo: Barber of Seville @ Waterperry Opera Festival
Aug 11 @ 6:30 pm
Performances on the 10, 11, 14, 15 & 17 of August 2024
Location: Waterperry Main Stage
Start Time & DurationPerformances start at 6:30pm. There is one extended dining interval. Performances end at approx. 9:45pm.

Overflowing with wit, charm, and famous melodies, The Barber of Seville is our unmissable headline opera this year. Step into Rossini’s vibrant world, a whirlwind of comedic chaos and romantic mischief performed on our main stage in front of the glorious façade of Waterperry House.

In the bustling streets of Seville, the charming and quick-witted Figaro, barber extraordinaire, concocts a cunning plan to help his lovelorn friend, Count Almaviva, win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. With hilarious disguises and mischievous schemes, Figaro orchestrates a series of escapades to outwit Rosina’s overbearing guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who has his own designs on marrying her for her wealth. As the plot twists and turns, audiences are treated to Rossini’s lively melodies and effervescent arias that evoke laughter and joy.

Opera by Gioachino Rossini.

Performed in English on our Main Stage in front of Waterperry House.

​English Translation by Christopher Cowell.

Aug
14
Wed
2024
Bartolo: Barber of Seville @ Waterperry Opera Festival
Aug 14 @ 6:30 pm
Performances on the 10, 11, 14, 15 & 17 of August 2024
Location: Waterperry Main Stage
Start Time & DurationPerformances start at 6:30pm. There is one extended dining interval. Performances end at approx. 9:45pm.

Overflowing with wit, charm, and famous melodies, The Barber of Seville is our unmissable headline opera this year. Step into Rossini’s vibrant world, a whirlwind of comedic chaos and romantic mischief performed on our main stage in front of the glorious façade of Waterperry House.

In the bustling streets of Seville, the charming and quick-witted Figaro, barber extraordinaire, concocts a cunning plan to help his lovelorn friend, Count Almaviva, win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. With hilarious disguises and mischievous schemes, Figaro orchestrates a series of escapades to outwit Rosina’s overbearing guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who has his own designs on marrying her for her wealth. As the plot twists and turns, audiences are treated to Rossini’s lively melodies and effervescent arias that evoke laughter and joy.

Opera by Gioachino Rossini.

Performed in English on our Main Stage in front of Waterperry House.

​English Translation by Christopher Cowell.

Aug
17
Sat
2024
Bartolo: Barber of Seville @ Waterperry Opera Festival
Aug 17 @ 6:30 pm
Performances on the 10, 11, 14, 15 & 17 of August 2024
Location: Waterperry Main Stage
Start Time & DurationPerformances start at 6:30pm. There is one extended dining interval. Performances end at approx. 9:45pm.

Overflowing with wit, charm, and famous melodies, The Barber of Seville is our unmissable headline opera this year. Step into Rossini’s vibrant world, a whirlwind of comedic chaos and romantic mischief performed on our main stage in front of the glorious façade of Waterperry House.

In the bustling streets of Seville, the charming and quick-witted Figaro, barber extraordinaire, concocts a cunning plan to help his lovelorn friend, Count Almaviva, win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. With hilarious disguises and mischievous schemes, Figaro orchestrates a series of escapades to outwit Rosina’s overbearing guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who has his own designs on marrying her for her wealth. As the plot twists and turns, audiences are treated to Rossini’s lively melodies and effervescent arias that evoke laughter and joy.

Opera by Gioachino Rossini.

Performed in English on our Main Stage in front of Waterperry House.

​English Translation by Christopher Cowell.