Gilbert & Sullivan: Trial by Jury
Edward Lambert: The Parting
Purcell: Dido & Aeneas (abridged)
Under the auspices of Arts for Hungerford, The Music Troupe returns to the Croft Hall on Saturday 13 October at 8pm for a relaxed evening of English Opera in which they are joined by the Newbury Chamber Choir.
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First on the programme is Gilbert and Sullivan’s effervescent Trial by Jury in which a jilted woman sues her ex – and is awarded rather more than she bargained for. Gilbert’s text pokes fun at male hypocrisy, but the concept of Breach of Promise has echoes, perhaps, of the #MeToo campaign.
Next up is The Parting by Edward Lambert. This semi-staged, ten-minute opera for three voices has a text by the Spanish poet and dramatist Federico Garcia Lorca and has more than a hint of a dream-like surrealism. This is its first performance.
Finally, in a change to the previously advertised programme, choir and soloists combine to perform a potted version of Dido and Aeneas, Purcell’s intimate opera, and still the nation’s favourite. Dido’s lament “When I am laid in earth” crowns this fascinating and entertaining programme.
The cast includes three professionals with fabulous voices: David Horton, tenor, and Felicity Hayward, soprano, are young, up-and coming stars while Berkshire resident Lindsay Bramley has sung in opera houses all over the world. “It will be fun”, she says of her debut as the Learned Judge in Trial by Jury, a role normally taken by veteran basses. The evening will be an ideal introduction to opera for all ages and under 18s go free. So those wishing to join in the fun should make sure they book in advance online at MusicTroupe.co.uk or NewburyChamberChoir.org
Felicity Hayward (soprano) Angelina, the Plaintiff / The Wife / Dido
Lucy Fitt (soprano) Counsel for the Plaintiff
Lindsay Bramley (mezzo-soprano) The Judge / Old Woman / Sorceress & Spirit
David Horton (tenor) Edwin, the Defendant / Enrique / Aeneas
Gordon Fry (tenor) The Court Usher
Newbury Chamber Choir
Stephen Westrop (piano)
Edward Lambert (conductor)
Will Ashford (director)
artsforhungerford.com 