Good morning Orford - it looks as though it will be a lovely day here - this very special place with so many Brittenesque reminders. I am here until Friday to chill out, away from the pre Christmas hassle in London, not to mention the circus, pantomime, or whatever the farce is in Westminster!
But for now a short report on a truly special evening with the NOS company at the Bridewell Theatre on Monday. This was the London showing of the work that the young artists worked on with Opera North in Leeds, a programme - Last Days - that marked the centenary of the end of WW1. It was a remarkably moving sequence directed by Tim Albery, a surprise round every corner, and a wonderful opportunity for the varied talents of this training programme to do something completely different, away from the conventional constraints of the opera repertoire. There were so many striking performances and stand outs. As at the showcase that I attended a couple of months ago mezzo-soprano Margo Arsane and countertenor JungKwon Jang made exceptional contributions - we should watch these two with special attention.
Leisure now for three more days!
Recent Comments