United Kingdom Poulenc, La voix humaine and R. Schumann, Frauenliebe und -leben: Sofia Kirwan-Baez (soprano) and Alex Norton (pianist). Penrith Playhouse, Cumbria, 26.8.2023.
Two reviews from the Cumbria Opera Festival 2023, truly a hidden gem
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A rare trio of curtain raisers at the 29th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
United Kingdom The 29th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival [2] – Sullivan’s Cox & Box, Trial by Jury, The Zoo: Soloists and Chorus of North West Productions, National Festival Orchestra / David Goulden (conductor). Opera House, Buxton, 3.8.2023. (RJW)
National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s sunny Cornwall with affection for the nobility
United Kingdom The 29th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival [1] – Gilbert & Sullivan, The Pirates of Penzance: Soloists and Chorus of the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, National Festival Orchestra / Murray Hipkin (conductor). Opera House, Buxton, 2.8.2023. (RJW)
Longborough’s season ends with a ravishing interpretation of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen
United Kingdom Longborough Festival Opera 2023 [4] – Purcell, The Fairy Queen: Soloists, Musicians using orchestral material from The Early Music Company / Harry Sever (conductor). Longborough, Gloucestershire, 2.8.2023. (CP)
The Pilgrim’s Progress is a fine achievement by British Youth Opera at the Three Choirs Festival
United Kingdom Three Choirs Festival 2023 [4] – Vaughan Williams, The Pilgrim’s Progress: Soloists, British Youth Opera, Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Charlotte Corderoy (conductor). Gloucester Cathedral, 24.7.2023. (JQ)
As an OHP entertainment, Dove’s Itch passes an evening nicely but will not linger in the memory
United Kingdom Opera Holland Park 2023 [3] – Dove, Itch (world premiere): Soloists, Members of the City of London Sinfonia / Jennifer Cottis (conductor). Opera Holland Park, London, 22.7.2023. (CC)
Bampton Classical Opera celebrates 30 years with a gorgeous UK premiere of Salieri’s At the Venice Fair
United Kingdom Bampton Classical Opera – Salieri, At the Venice Fair (La fiera di Venezia): Soloists, Orchestra of Bampton Classical Opera / Thomas Blunt (conductor). Bampton, Oxfordshire, 21.7.2022. (CP)
Longborough’s successful season continues with a dissonant interpretation of Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo
United Kingdom Longborough Festival Opera 2023 [3] – Monteverdi, L’Orfeo: Soloists, La Serenissima / Robert Howarth (conductor). Longborough, Gloucestershire, 18.7.2023. (CP)
