With one of Britten’s richest vocal scores, A Midsummer Night’s Dream shows a composer at the heights of his powers. Marvellously orchestrated Britten succeeded in creating perfectly fitting, highly atmospheric yet utterly distinctive soundworlds for the various group of characters evoking the sighing, creaking and rustling of a forest.
The production opens on Saturday 28th September 2013 at The Grand Theatre in Leeds with performances on tour in Salford Quays, Nottingham and Newcastle.
A revival of the 2008 production: “A richly imaginative staging, full of hallucinogenic poetry and freewheeling fun” The Telegraph
Further details: http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/a-midsummer-night-s-dream
The production is directed by Martin Duncan and Conducted by Stuart Stratford.
Performances take place in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham.
Reviews
“The singing and acting of Opera North’s quartet were exemplary, Hermia was endowed with a very individual personality by the shrewdly observed nuances, vocal and dramatic, of the mezzo Kathryn Rudge”.
Opera Magazine, Michael Kennedy, December 2013
“Mezzo Kathryn Rudge as a sexy Hermia – Rudge’s vocal liquidity and her rich creamy tone made such an impression here as Annio La Clemenza di Tito last season.”
Opera Britannia, Geoffrey Mogridge, 30th September 2013*****
There is plenty of strongly contrasting bitchiness when Helena and Hermia are exchanging insults. Hermia’s (Kathryn Rudge’s ) rendition of “How low am I, thou painted maypole”, and Helena’s reaction , are really enjoyable.”
Bachtrack, Richard Wilcocks, 30th September 2013