Preview: La Traviata at Darlington Civic Theatre

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 BOLSHOI SOLOIST TO PERFORM

IN DARLINGTON

La Traviata

Darlington Civic Theatre

Tuesday 6^th October 2015

Irina Bozhenko, Bolshoi Theatre soloist, is coming to Darlington Civic Theatre to perform in Verdi’s opera masterpiece La Traviata on Tuesday 6^th October. The show features an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live Orchestra with over 30 musicians

Irina Bozhenko, who has starred in operas across the globe, will be making a guest appearance in Darlington, in the leading role of Violetta.  Following the enthusiastic reception which greeted the performance of Rigoletto opera earlier this year, the renowned Russian State Ballet and Opera House is back with one of the greatest of Verdi’s operas La Traviata – a love story shrouded in sacrifice and misunderstanding.

This haunting tragedy, with its beautiful arias, will transport you into the entrancing world of French High Society in the 1850s. One of the most powerful and moving of all tragic operas, Giuseppe Verdi brings the beguiling splendour and gaiety of mid-19th century Parisian life to the stage. But there is also heartbreak and pathos in this tragic and resonant morality tale in which Violetta, a high-society courtesan with a heart of gold, sacrifices everything for the man she loves.

It is deservedly one of Verdi’s most popular operas and probably the one with which he felt the closest emotional connection.

La Traviata, an ultimately tragic tale, combines compelling characters with hugely powerful, moving and instantly recognisable melodies, making it still, 162 years after its 1853 debut, one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time. It is a deeply moving opera filled with emotion and strokes of genius. The score encompasses an astonishing range of moods and emotions, from Alfredo’s aristocratic charms to Violetta’s vivid effervescence, perfectly captured in her toast to life and free will “Libiamo ne’ licit calici” (let’s drink from the joyful cups) and “Sempre libera” (always free) - a vocal showpiece to rival any other.

Here is an interview with Irina Bozhenko, who has starred in operas across the globe, and will be making a guest appearances in the leading role of Violetta in Darlington.

How old were you when you realised that you wanted to be an Opera singer?

I used to sing in kinder garden and then in school where I was part of the school choir. I went through a stage of trying to be like Whitney Huston. Especially, I used to love singing when I did chores at home.

What do you do after a performance?

We have a tradition with the cast – After any premiere we get together to celebrate and discuss the performance. We are all together in it, rehearsals, stress, and performances, so it’s important to share the feelings with each other and get it out of your chest.

How do you separate work from home?

I never bring my work home. Although sometimes if I can’t get things right I moan to my husband. He is a good musician so he understands what I am talking about.

What do you like doing in your free time?

I like to cook and being outside. Nothing extraordinary. Being surrounded by nature calms me down. It’s important for me to switch off at the right moment. We give so much emotion on stage it’s vital to recharge.

If you could, what message will you give to the audience?

Don’t be shy to show your emotions, it is really important for us. At the end of the day we are singing for you!

Ticket:

La Traviata is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Tuesday 6^th October 2015.

Tickets* are £29 to £36.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

 

Preview: Verdi’s Opera Rigoletto On Tour

Russian State Ballet and Opera House

Verdi’s Opera Rigoletto

 (sung in Italian with English surtitles)

With music performed by a large live Orchestra

On Tour including:

Monday  16th February      Newcastle,Tyne Theatre and Opera House 

Tuesday  17th February      Darlington, Civic Theatre

Friday      27th February      Carlisle, Sands Centre

With an impressive cast and accompanied by a live Orchestra with over 30 musicians, Verdi’s masterpiece and best-loved opera, Rigoletto  is brought vividly to life by The Russian State Ballet and Opera House, who have already delighted audiences last year with two successful performances of Carmen and La Traviata.

Rigoletto- a tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge and sacrifice.

Rigolettois an opera by Giuseppe Verdi, set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, and based on the play “Le Roi s’amuse” by Victor Hugo.

Giuseppe Verdi, the well-loved and popular Italian composer, was commissioned to write a new opera by La Fenice Opera House in Venice in 1850. By this time he was already a well-known composer and had a degree of freedom in choosing the works he would prefer to set to music. Verdi enthused over Victor Hugo’s play. Often described as Verdi’s first work of complete genius, Rigoletto is particularly noted for its subtle and highly original characterisation, especially in the case of the tragic court jester, Rigoletto himself.

The tragic story revolves around the hunchbacked court jester, Rigoletto, his beautiful much-loved daughter Gilda (whom he had kept secret from the Court) and the Duke of Mantua he serves.

However, Rigoletto’s sarcastic comments and participation in the Duke’s escapades have won him many enemies among the Duke’s followers.

Count Monterone, furious that his family has been shamed by the Duke’s seduction of his daughter, ruins the jolly party and is arrested, cursing the Duke and Rigoletto.

Count Ceprano, not amused by Rigoletto’s constant humiliating remarks, and thinking that Gilda is Rigoletto’s mistress, plots an immediate revenge and persuades his followers to kidnap Gilda and take her to the Duke. 

Rigoletto goes to his daughter’s rescue. The nobles mock Rigoletto for his troubles. After comforting his daughter, Rigoletto vows to be avenged on the Duke and hires a hit man.

The curse comes to fruition when Gilda falls in love with the Duke and eventually sacrifices her life to save him from the assassin hired by her father.

A succession of stunning tunes, including the famous ‘La donna è mobile’, combined with an ever-present underlying tension and menace in a plot involving abduction, seduction and revenge. Rigoletto is one of the most difficult roles in the baritone repertoire: in public, the Duke’s clown and sidekick – in private, a tender, obsessively protective father.

Rigolettois Verdi’s supreme masterpiece – the perfect tragic opera and an unforgettable experience for all.

Opera lovers, the world over, have taken Rigoletto to their hearts.

Alexej Ignatow, producer of The Russian State Ballet & Opera House says: “Opera has been able to take advantage of the high-tech revolution in home entertainment, television and cinema and more and more people are discovering it. However, nothing can replace the pleasure to attend a live performance, which is why we are dedicated to presenting full and positive new productions in regional theatres.

We want to give the opportunity to local audiences to experience these classics at a fraction of the cost they would pay in big cities, give them great pleasure and inspire them to want more.

Dedicated to innovation as well as quality, the Russian State Ballet and Opera House has been presenting ballets and operas to huge audiences for over 13 years.”

Alexej continued “After touring successful Ballets performances all over UKlast Autumn, we have managed to secure The Russian State Opera and Ballet Theatre of Komi to come back in Spring 2015 with their new production of Rigoletto. The Russian State Ballet and Opera of Komi came into repertory in 1958, with the premiere of Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin”. The Theatre is located in the Russian town of Syktyvkar, the capital of the Republic of Komi, just to the north of Moscow.

The Theatre boasts a mix of exciting productions and staging and participates in cultural exchanges.  Discovering the aesthetic and cultural preferences of foreign audiences, they have established partnerships with major European companies.   The Russian State Ballet and Opera of Komi is renowned across Europe for its faithful, intimate and powerful performances, and this new opera production will be no exception. “

But what about newcomers to Opera? Alexej Ignatow noted: “We often get asked how you would encourage people who have never seen an opera before, to come along for the first time? My instant reply is that you don’t need to be an expert in opera or music as we ensure that the set and costumes, and surtitles, make the production easy to follow. The music is beautiful and sometimes even if you’re lost in the plot, just close your eyes and enjoy the music.”

 On Tour

          DAY  DATE                    VENUE

                            

          Sun   08-Feb       Scarborough, The Spa

          Mon 09-Feb       Lincoln, Theatre Royal

          Tue   10-Feb       Yeovil, Octagon Theatre

          Wed 11-Feb       Basildon, Towngate Theatre

          Thu   12-Feb       Wakefield, Theatre Royal

          Fri      13-Feb       Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre

          Sun   15-Feb       York, Barbican

          Mon  16-Feb      Newcastle,Tyne Theatre and Opera House 

          Tues  17-Feb      Darlington, Civic Theatre

          Wed 18-Feb       Dorking Halls

          Thur  19-Feb       Hastings, White Rock Theatre

          Fri      20-Feb       London, Cadogan Hall

          Sat    21-Feb       Peterborough, The Cresset Theatre

          Sun   22-Feb       Stevenage, Gordon Craig Theatre

          Tues  24-Feb       Harrogate, Royal Hall

          Wed 25-Feb       Chesterfield, Pomegranate Theatre

          Thur  26-Feb       Stafford, Gatehouse Theatre

          Fri      27-Feb      Carlisle, Sands Centre

          Sat    28-Feb       Halifax, Victoria Theatre

          Sun   01-Mar      Clacton, Princes Theatre

          Tues  03-Mar      Swindon, Wyvern Theatre

          Wed 04-Mar      Stockport, The Plaza

          Thur  05-Mar      Blackburn, King George’s Hall

          Fri      06-Mar      Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn

          Sat    07-Mar      Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall

Do not delay in purchasing your ticket for the greatest opera, Rigoletto

For information and tickets, please visit www.opera-tickets.co.uk

Ticket details for Newcastle Opera House

Tickets are priced from £31.50 - £22.50 (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone)

 

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days

Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pm Monday to Friday)

More information at our Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Facebook: Facebook.com/tynetheatreandoperahouse  

Twitter: twitter.com/tyneoperahouse

Theatre Address: 109 – 119 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG

 

Preview: New Opera North Season at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal

New Opera North Season

at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal

Award winning company Opera North has announced its new 2014/15 seasons at the Theatre Royal, and featuring works from each of the last four centuries in a combination of revivals and new stagings, offers the perfect balance of the comic and the serious.  Prepare to be swept away 11 – 15 November ‘14  & 3 – 7 March ‘15.

The season opens with a revival of Daniel Slater’s hugely successful 1998 production of Smetana’s The Bartered Bride (11 & 13 November), the ultimate feel-good opera - being energetic, comic and colourful. 

This production is updated to a setting in Czechoslovakia in 1972, four years after the Prague Spring. Mařenka and Jeník are in love, and announce their engagement at a village party. But her father, has demanded she marries the son of the wealthiest man in town. In the end, youth and cunning outsmart age and power, and the constraints of rural village life are thrown off, for a while at least, when the circus comes to town. Smetana’s music for The Bartered Bride oozes spontaneity and vitality, its energy generated by bold contrasts of mood and atmosphere and exuberant folk-song rhythms. Scottish soprano Kate Valentine sings Marenka, returning to Opera North following Konstanze The Abduction from the Seraglio (2009). American tenor Brenden Gunnell makes his Company debut as Jenik.

Next up is Opera North’s first new production since 1999 of one of the most universally popular operas - Verdi’s La Traviata (12 & 14 Nov ‘14, 4 & 6 March ’15). A highly emotional story, showing the strength of unconditional love through compassion and self-sacrifice, it features exceptionally powerful music that carries the audience up and down through the scandal, joy, and despair of the desperate tale.   Alfredo Germont, a young nobleman falls in love with Violetta, a courtesan fighting tuberculosis. The pair live together in the countryside unmarried. When Alfredo is away, his father, Germont, begs Violetta to leave his son, as she is bringing disgrace to the family. Despite her love, she agrees and returns to her old life in Paris. When Germont realises he has made a mistake, he knows he must make amends for the sake of his son, but as Violetta’s health deteriorates, is there time? South Korean soprano Hye-Youn Lee makes her role debut as Violetta in her first appearance for Opera North. Hotly tipped as a rising operatic star, previous UK roles include Cio-Cio San for Scottish Opera, and Lisette La Rondine for Opera Holland Park.

A new production of Monteverdi’s last opera The Coronation of Poppea will be performed on one night only, 15 November ‘14.  Never before staged by Opera North, this is one of the earliest and greatest of operas, and a brand new English translation by Tim Albery whose most recent new productions for the Company have included Otello(2013) and Giulio Cesare (2012). Based loosely on actual events in 1^st-century AD Rome, The Coronation of Poppea charts the consuming erotic obsession of the Emperor Nero for the beautiful Poppea. Ruthlessly sweeping aside anyone who stands in the way of their union – including Nero’s wife Octavia and the poet and philosopher Seneca – Nero and Poppea triumph over all their opponents and rejoice in one of the most sexually-charged love duets ever written. The amorality of this masterpiece ensures that it remains one of the most shocking and compelling of operas.  The cast of superb singer-actors is led by the American soprano Sandra Piques Eddy (Poppea) and the British counter-tenor James Laing (Nerone).  The conductor is Laurence Cummings, one of Britain’s most exciting and versatile exponents of historically-informed performance. 

The Spring welcomes a new production of Mozart’s effervescent comedy The Marriage of Figaro (5 & 7 March). 

Opera North's first new production of the famous opera since 2006 is directed by Jo Davies, who returns to the Company following highly acclaimed productions of Ruddigore and Carousel, to direct a cast of versatile singer-actors. It’s Figaro’s wedding day, and to add to the usual worries, Figaro learns that his philandering master, the Count, is out to bed his bride-to-be Susanna. Bursting with music evoking all the joy and pain of love and desire, it is timeless and sublime. Richard Burkhard, a familiar figure to Opera North audiences, sings Figaro, following his Sir Despard Murgatroyd in Ruddigore (2010/11). Other recent roles include Papageno The Magic Flute for Scottish Opera, and Marcello La Bohème and Garibaldo Rodelinda for ENO.  Norwegian soprano Silvia Moi makes her Company debut as Susanna, a role she has previously sung in Malmö and at the Komische Oper Berlin. She was Papagena in Kenneth Branagh’s film version of The Magic Flute.

And finally, a revival of Falla’s La Vida Breve will be staged on Tuesday 3 March in a double bill with a new production of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Originally staged as one of Opera North’s groundbreaking ‘Eight Little Greats’ season of one-act operas in 2004, Christopher Alden’s ferocious take on de Falla’s short exuberant opera was an instant hit with critics and audiences. Telling the tragic story of a woman too much in love with a worthless man, it is intense and brutal, and full of highly atmospheric Andalusian folk song inspired music.  The perfect antidote to the doom ridden La Vida Breve, Gianni Schicchi is a light hearted satyr play played out around the death-bed of a rich man. A comic masterpiece in miniature, it includes some of Puccini’s most delightful music including the exquisite aria ‘O mio babbino caro’.  Jac van Steen conducts both La Vida Breve and Gianni Schicchi, returning to Opera North following Peter Grimes (2013) and several guest conductor appearances with the Orchestra of Opera North on the concert stage. Both pieces are directed by Christopher Alden, whose most recent work at Opera North includes Norma (2012) and Tosca (2008).

Richard Mantle, General Director of Opera North said: “Opera North's new 2014/15 Season exemplifies the broad range of work which has come to define the Company, and continues the spirit of bold and varied artistic programming which attracts audiences of all ages and tastes to engage with our work across the North of England and beyond.” 

On the Web:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OperaNorth?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Opera_North

Tickets:

The new Opera North Season appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 11 – Sat 15 Nov 2014 and Tue 3 – Sat 7 Mar 2015 (all performances at 7pm).

Tickets are from £16.50 (a booking fee of 95p - £1.95 will apply to most tickets) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk