Opera on Location

Opera on Location join forces with the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra for a special semi-staged performance of Mozart’s masterpiece: The Marriage of Figaro.

This April, Sheffield’s only professional opera company partner with the renowned Sheffield Chamber Orchestra, to bring this rousing, well-known opera to Victoria Hall for one night only.

Formed in Sheffield in 2013, from a group of young professional singers and producers, Opera on Location are rapidly developing an impressive reputation for captivating performances in unusual locations such as the Winter Garden and Graves Gallery. Later this month, audiences can look forward to a semi-staged performance of this upbeat and hilarious farce.

Opera on Location’s director Gareth Lloyd informs: “Due to the semi-staged nature of this particular performance, we have approached this completely differently to our past productions. Adopting a more Brechtian and absurdist quality, we really want comedy to be at the forefront of the evening’s entertainment. This, somewhat farcical performance style juxtaposed with the sublime music and beautiful singing has created a concert that we are truly excited about.”

The story follows Figaro and Susanna - a young couple trying to marry, only to be prevented by the rich and powerful Count they both work for. Adding to their stress is a fragile Countess, who feeling used and unloved, seeks revenge on her conniving husband. Stir in a subplot of meddling characters, each with their own agendas and schemes, it seems like our heroes will never get the happy ending they both desire. But, will love triumph in the end?

ollowing last year’s hugely successful run of Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Kelham Island Museum producer Kathryn Gasic is thrilled to be working with an orchestra for the first time. “We are delighted to be working with the brilliant Sheffield Chamber Orchestra under the baton of George Kennaway. To date all of our performances have been with piano accompaniment, so this is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring an added depth to this production.” 

Sung in English, this semi-staged production focuses on making the story accessible and understandable whilst not sacrificing any of the humour or stunning musical numbers. The Marriage of Figaro, known primarily for its rambunctious and infamous overture, features some of Mozart’s best known and most loved operatic moments. From the main character’s aria Se Vuol Ballare to the stunning lament Dove Sono and of course, the incomparable Letter Duet (Sull’aria).

The company has previously performed in the Winter Garden, Graves Gallery, Abbeydale Picture House and Kelham Island Museum as part of their motto to bring opera out of the theatre and into unusual places.

This cast includes Sheffield University alumni Andrea Tweedale, Matthew Palmer and Gareth Lloyd along with Rotherham’s Rosie Thickett.

The Marriage of Figaro will be performed at Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield on 27th April. Tickets are available via SIV tickets: 0114 223 3777, www.sivtickets.com, or in person from the City Hall Box Office.

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