Michael Rosewell conductor
Liam Steel director
Michael Pavelka designer
Andy Purves lighting designer
Respighi La bella dormente nel bosco
Ravel L'enfant et les sortilèges
Journey through dark, enigmatic fantasy worlds at the Royal College of Music this spring, as the RCM Opera Studio performs Respighi and Ravel in a sensational double bill.
First, experience Respighi's rarely-performed retelling of Sleeping Beauty, La bella dormente nel bosco. This timeless fairytale inspired the Italian composer to create an imaginative opera filled with familiar characters, whimsical storytelling and, originally, a cast of memorable puppets.
Following this, Ravel's one-act opera, L'enfant et les sortilèges, follows an unruly child leaving a trail of broken furniture and disgruntled animals in his wake. This turbulent tantrum is only halted when something strange starts to happen to the collection of objects around him... but will the child see the error of his ways?
With its themes of growing up, rescuing those in need, and definitions of true love, this production - directed by Liam Steel - promises to be a visual feast and a magical evening of musical escapism.
Please note this production contains adult themes and some scenes of violence, and therefore may not be suitable for young children. The performance will also use haze.
This production is made possible with the assistance of the Basil Coleman bequest.
Approximate running times:
The performances last about 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one interval.
La bella dormente nel bosco: 76 minutes
L'enfant et les sortilèges: 46 minutes
Credits:
La bella dormente nel bosco - Libretto by Gian Bistolfi. © by Casa Ricordi, Milano (Universal Music Publishing Group)
L'enfant et les sortilèges – © Editions Durand, Milano (Universal Music Publishing Group)
