Exciting news for both established opera fans and anyone who’s been waiting for the right moment to give it a try.
Next month the imposing but very welcoming Coliseum Theatre on St Martin’s lane will be home to a rare production of Giuseppe Verdi’s grand opera THE FORCE OF DESTINY.
It’s grand in every sense with a sweeping musical score that will wrap itself around you and carry you along with its passion. There are grand emotions too and a world class cast will sing their way through a meaty, romantic and melodramatic story.
The plot, we’re told, will “Zoom in” in on a troubled family in the midst of an unhinged, lawless society. An aristocrat, desperate to hold on to his family's wealth and power, forbids the marriage of his daughter, Leonora, to a foreigner, Alvaro, and hides her in a rural hotel. This turns out to be dad’s fatal mistake. He’s murdered and his son, determined to take revenge, begins a frantic chase through a sleazy, dangerous and corrupt city. But will his sister fulfil her destiny and marry her lover after all?
All this pulsating drama will be directed by Calixto Bieito, a man who has been described as “The Quentin Tarantino of opera” so expect lots of audacious surprises in the staging. Known for his distinctive take on classic operas, apparently Bieito’s interpretation of THE FORCE OF DESTINY is set during the Spanish Civil War.
It’ll sound great too because it’ll be conducted by Mark Wigglesworth who made such a splendid job of mastering the huge orchestra in last month’s epic production of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at the same venue.
Leading a fantastic cast is Welsh tenor Gwyn Hughes-Jones taking his first shot at the lead role of Don Alvaro. Also new to the piece, playing our heroine, will be soprano, Tamara Wilson. A rising star, she recently made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in the title role of Aida. This will be her British debut. Clare Presland, who made a big impact in the tiny but critical role of Sonyetka in Lady M is also in the cast.
The Force of Destiny opens on Monday 9 November 2015 at 7.00pm for 8 performances – 9, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 November, 2, 4 December at 7.00pm.
English National Opera is founded on the belief that opera of the highest quality should be accessible to everyone. Why not put this to the test and give this extraordinary opera a try.
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