Classical and Jazz: Latest News>August 19
Published: 19 August, 2010
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
SOMERSET House is joining the opera fashionistas this weekend, screening three Glyndebourne Opera productions over three days. There’s no fixed seating in its courtyard and, it virtually goes without saying, health and safety rules preclude the use of any chairs, inflatable or otherwise, or any other form of furniture. But opera-goers are welcome to bring rugs, blankets and cushions to sit on.
First opera to be screened tomorrow (Friday) will be Glyndebourne’s highly acclaimed new production of Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd with theatre director Michael Grandage marking his debut in the opera world. The cast includes young South African baritone Jacques Imbrailo, Canadian bass Phillip Ens as Claggart and British tenor John Mark Ainsley as Captain Vere.
On Saturday, there’s a screening of Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress featuring iconic designs by David Hockney for the crisp, witty opera. Conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, it has Finnish tenor Topi Lehtipuu as poor mad Tom and Swedish soprano Miah Persson as his true love, Anne.
And on Sunday, there’s to be a family-friendly screening of Engelbert Humperdinck’s operatic fairytale, Hansel and Gretel. Beforehand, during the afternoon on Sunday, Somerset House has some fun activities for all generations. Youngsters can drop into gingerbread workshops leaving adults free to enjoy free summer wine tasting with Fortnum & Mason – if wine is their wont, that is.