RCM becomes first UK conservatoire to partner with OperaVision
Monday 17 September 2018
The Royal College of Music is to become the first conservatoire to partner with international opera streaming platform OperaVision. Launching on Friday 21 September at 6pm GMT, the RCM’s dedicated section of the OperaVision website will feature a performance of Britten’s Albert Herring recorded in the Britten Theatre in 2015.
The RCM’s Albert Herring is directed by Liam Steel and features graduate stars Nick Pritchard and Julien Van Mellaerts. Celebrated Scottish soprano, RCM alumna and Chair of Vocal Performance, Professor Janis Kelly performs alongside them in the role of Lady Billows. The opera, which is sung in English, tells the story of a shy greengrocer who breaks free from society’s expectations and learns to stand up for himself.
The Arts Desk awarded the RCM’s 2015 production five stars, calling it ‘an ensemble show bursting with character, detail, wit and an abundance of joy.’ Opera Magazine praised the ‘excellent young cast members’ and noted that director Liam Steel ‘turned the opera into a celebration of liberation.’
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OperaVision makes world-class opera performances available online for free. Launched in 2017, the website offers a richly diverse curated season of European opera in partnership with 29 opera houses from 19 countries. The platform has a specific emphasis on attracting young, emerging audiences, celebrating Europe’s cultural heritage and developing opera for the future.
RCM Artistic Director Stephen Johns commented: ‘The Royal College of Music’s collaboration with OperaVision demonstrates our continued commitment to widening access to music and sharing the rich heritage of the RCM with the world. I am delighted that the platform is hosting Albert Herring by RCM alumnus Benjamin Britten, a sparkling production that was both critically acclaimed and enjoyed by performers and audience alike.’
The RCM’s Albert Herring will be available on OperaVision from Friday 21 September for six months. This is just one of many videos of RCM performances available to watch online; please visit the RCM’s YouTube channel and dedicated page on Medici.tv, a streaming site for classical concerts and masterclasses, for more.
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