English Touring Opera at Buxton Opera House
Johnny James, Managing Editor
English Touring Opera storm back into Buxton Opera House with an Autumn Season exploring the supernatural, myths and folklore, featuring Dame Judith Weir’s Blond Eckbert presented with a new staging of song cycles and cantatas, plus a brand-new production of Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snowmaiden.
Written in 1993 by British composer Judith Weir, Blond Eckbert weaves a haunting tale of isolation and guilt, based on a supernatural short story by Romantic author Ludwig Tieck. It follows Eckbert and Berthe, who live a life of quiet solitude in their forest home. One day, an old friend pays an unexpected visit, setting in motion a series of revelations and mysteries. As these mysteries swirl and dark secrets unfold, Weir’s music astounds with its expression, complexity and concision.
Presented with Britten Pears Arts, ETO’s production recently opened the 75th Aldeburgh Festival – a pilgrimage for lovers of classical music. Among the glowing reviews, The Times stated that “the subtly nuanced acting and expressive singing of a fine cast adds to that sense of unease”, and Opera Now remarked “the cast showcased vocal prowess with impeccable musicality and intonation”. Much of that cast appears in Buxton, with Flora McIntosh (Berthe), Aoife Miskelly (Bird) and William Morgan (Walther/Hugo/Old Woman) reprising their roles from the Aldeburgh Festival production, and Baritone Alex Otterburn singing the role of Eckbert.
On the same evening, you’ll also be treated to Do not take my story for a fairytale, a new staging of song cycles and cantatas exploring love, isolation and the terrible wonder of the natural world. Featuring music from the same period that Tieck’s Der Blonde Eckbert was written, ETO will explore the shaping of the Romantic imagination through works by Bach, Schubert, Haydn, Beethoven, Martines and Schubert.
The following night ETO step into a wintry tale of destructive love with their brand-new production of Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snowmaiden. The first of Rimsky-Korsakov’s operas to be based on a Russian folk tale, it follows a teenage girl with a secret in her heart and a burning desire to leave the icy grip of her parents, Grandfather Frost and Spring Beauty, to live amongst mortals in an isolated village. Conjuring up the conflict between real and mythical worlds, Rimsky Korsakov’s colourfully orchestrated folk melodies follow the Snowmaiden on her transformational journey into this mortal land, which opens a Pandora’s box of human emotions with monumental consequences.
This classic coming of age tale is helmed by award-winning director Olivia Fuchs and conducted by Hannah Quinn. Soprano Ffion Edwards takes the title role, with Kitty Whately as Lyel, Joseph Doody as the Tsar, Hannah Sandison as Spring Beauty and Edward Hawkins as Grandfather Frost.
The songs in Do not take my story for a fairytale will be performed in their original languages of German and Italian with English surtitles, while Blond Eckbert and The Snowmaiden will be sung in English.
Speaking about these productions, Robin Norton-Hale, General Director of ETO, said: “With their exploration of the experiences which shape us, whether romantic, psychological or supernatural, The Snowmaiden and our double bill of Blond Eckbert and Do not take my story for a fairytale examine our quest for individual identity and connection with others. I’m delighted that we have assembled creative teams with a wonderful blend of experience and new perspectives that will help us bring exceptional, ambitious opera to life for everyone.”
The following discounts are available:
Groups (8+)/Senior/Equal Access: £3 off (not valid in Dress Circle)
JSA/Income Support/Students/Children: Half price (not valid in Dress Circle)
Under 35s: £5 (limited availability)
Multibuy: Book both Operas and receive £10 off the total price (top two prices only)
