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From nail-biting mysteries to György of the macabre
PREVIEW: AUTUMN SEASON
English National Opera
COLLABORATION and innovation are at the heart of the English National Opera’s 2009-10 season opening next month with a new production of György Ligeti’s only opera, his comical masterpiece Le Grand Macabre at the Coliseum.
“Opera should reflect our times,” says ENO artistic director John Berry. “Our autumn programme seeks to do just that through a vibrant combination of exciting and thought-provoking collaborations reflecting our commitment to the new and surprising. The ENO has a role to play in bringing high quality, affordable opera to a wider audience.
“If people are interested in the distinctive and innovative, the ENO is going to be the place to be.”
Autumn highlights include:
* Le Grand Macabre. New production by Catalan “total theatre” collective La Fura dels Baus. Opens September 16/six performances.
* Rigoletto. Revival of Jonathan Miller’s acclaimed 1982 production with leading Verdi baritone Anthony Michaels-Moore making his UK debut in the title role. Opens September 21/nine performances.
* Turandot. New production of Puccini’s opera by award-winning theatre director Rupert Goold exploring, says the ENO, “the psychological impact of the erotic and the relationship between sex and death that is at the heart of the opera.” Opens October 8/ 14 performances.
* The Turn of the Screw. First revival of David McVicar’s production, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras. Prepare to bite your nails. Opens October 22/six performances.
* Duke Bluebeard’s Castle/The Rite of Spring. New production/rare double-billing. Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle will be directed by Daniel Kramer noted for the ENO/Young Vic production of Punch and Judy which won this year’s South Bank Show.
Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring will be performed daringly by Ireland’s Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre.
Opens November 6/ seven performances
* Handel’s Messiah. New production directed by Deborah Warner exploring, says the ENO, ‘“the profundities and hidden meanings of the work.”
Opens November 27/nine performances.
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