English Touring Opera at Storyhouse
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
We’re thrilled that English Touring Opera return to Storyhouse this spring. With a stunning trio of outstanding new shows, Chester audiences will be truly entertained this April.
Bringing together the great pillars of the baroque and classical periods, the season features Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte and St John Passion by J.S Bach. The acclaimed shows will also bring two of Chester’s choirs – Chester Festival Chorus and Chester Cathedral Saturday Singing Club – to sing alongside the English Touring Opera.
A stunning trio of outstanding new shows.
One of Handel’s most celebrated operas, Giulio Cesare is a story of passion and revenge, packed with great arias and dramatic intensity. Following the events surrounding Julia Caesar’s conquest of Egypt and his uneasy alliance and romance with Cleopatra, Giulio Cesare is a wonderful reworking of the English Touring Opera’s widely acclaimed 2017 production.
Next up is Così Fan Tutte, which is considered by many as Mozart’s most perfect opera. A glorious combination of farcical comedy and music, Così Fan Tutte tells the story of young love and fidelity. In this reworked production, the action is set in 1930s Alexandria, amid gender politics and blooming cosmopolitanism.
The perfect introduction to opera.
Completing the trio is St John Passion by J.S Bach. Following their hugely successful performances of Bach’s great choral masterpieces, the English Touring Opera will present this astounding semi-staged performance. In this vivid reimagining which uses new translations of the Chorales, the Chester Festival Chorus will perform alongside the English Touring Opera’s professional soloists.
All three performances will feature the English Touring Opera’s resident period orchestra, the Old Street Band who will play on baroque and classical instruments. Offering the perfect introduction to opera, head down to Storyhouse this spring and experience a live music show like no other.
