Feature: OperaShots runs from April 20-27 at the ROH
Pictured Above: Neil Hannon
Published: 19 April, 2012
both established artists in their own fields, Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy fame, and minimalist composer Graham Fitkin are now experimenting with opera.
Short, sharp and experimental, over its three-year history OperaShots has gained a name for unusual and points of departure – quantum physics, football and a doctor who is a dog have been some of the subjects. Composers and librettists have included Nitin Sawnhey, Stewart Copeland, Jocelyn Pook and Terry Jones.
Commissioned and produced by ROH2, OperaShots is part of an ongoing programme of opera development work across the Royal Opera House.
Hannon’s Sevastopol is a new compact chamber opera that follows young writer Leo Tolstoy’s journey to the depths of the Crimean war, while Fitkin’s contribution is entitled Home.
• OperaShots runs from April 20-27 at Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Tickets on 020 7304 4000. Visit www.roh.org.uk/operashots for details