GLYNDEBOURNE – NOVEMBER 14-18
One of the Bard’s timeless tales, a gorgeous version of an operatic classic and a popular comedy make up the 2017 programme from Glyndebourne for their traditional Norwich winter visit.
Huge interest surrounds the atmospheric and deeply dramatic version of Hamlet which takes to the stage on November 17 and it will be performed alongside a gorgeous period production of Così fan tutte on November 14 and 16, and the classic comedy Il barbiere di Siviglia on November 15 and 18.
The brand-new production of Shakespeare’s quintessential tragedy Hamlet premiered as part of the Glyndebourne Festival earlier this year before transferring to the tour.
Brett Dean has created a stunning musical score to reflect the dark emotion at the heart of the story of Hamlet who navigates a maze of love, madness, murder and revenge on his quest for the truth.
Tormented by his emotions and haunted by his dead father, the Prince wants to discover if it was really his uncle Claudius who murdered his father in a quest for power.
The orchestration is matched by Matthew Jocelyn’s libretto which only features words or phrases attributed to Shakespeare.
Taking the title role is British tenor David Butt Philip, a former Jerwood Young Artist and winner of the 2011 John Christie Award. Ophelia will be performed by the soprano Jennifer France, who was shortlisted in the Young Singer category at the International Opera Awards and is making her Glyndebourne debut.
Così fan tutte promises a different emotional pull as it poses the question – would you place a bet on your partner’s faithfulness and disguise yourself to test it?
The innocent prank results in boisterous hijinks, soul-searching, and the creation of true love in the operatic Mozart masterpiece.
This production is directed by Nicholas Hytner, the former long-time director of the National Theatre who is known for iconic productions like The History Boys.
And four internationally-acclaimed performers will make their Glyndebourne debuts in the quartet of lead roles. They are Ukrainian tenor Bogdan Volkov (Ferrando), Russian baritone Ilya Kutyukin (Guglielmo), Canadian soprano Kirsten MacKinnon (Fiordiligi) and Irish mezzo-soprano Rachel Kelly (Dorabella).
Meanwhile do not miss out on seeing Il barbiere di Siviglia as tickets are selling fast. Rossini’s popular comedy tells the story of Figaro, the title character, who is attempting to win Count Almaviva his chosen bride.
But the crafty would-be bride, Rosina, is several steps ahead and wants to escape her guardian Dr Bartolo who also wants to marry her.
This also features a host of top international singers new to Glyndebourne including American baritone Tobias Greenhalgh (Figaro), American tenor Jack Swanson (Count Almaviva), Italian mezzo-soprano Laura Verrecchia (Rosina) and Italian baritone Marco Filippo Romano (Dr Bartolo).
And it will be conducted by Ben Gernon who made his touring debut with Glyndebourne last year for Don Giovanni and has recently taken up the role of Principal Guest Conductor with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “The excitement surrounding Glyndebourne’s brand new production of Hamlet is incredible. This is going to enthral people who enjoy both opera and drama and is part of an exciting 2017 programme that also features two classic productions with an incredible cast featuring some of the most exciting names from the operatic world.”

See a preview here: https://youtu.be/Sg1osUcNP_s

Listing:

Così fan tutte, Tuesday 14 November at 7.15pm and Thursday 16 November at 2pm. Il barbiere di Siviglia, Wednesday 15 November at 7.15pm and Saturday 18 November at 7.15pm. Hamlet, Friday 17 November at 7.15pm. Tickets £8-£55. Discounts for Under-18s, Schools, Groups and Savers. Please note Supertitles are not visible from Stalls seats in Rows Q-W. Buy a full-price ticket for Hamlet in Bands A-C and get £10 off the same price ticket for Cosi or Barbiere.
To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000