English Touring Opera – Blond Eckbert: Double Bill at Buxton Opera House
Creative Tourist
As part of their Autumn Season, English Touring Opera storm back into Buxton Opera House with Dame Judith Weir’s Blond Eckbert, presented with a new staging of song cycles and cantatas called Do not take my story for a fairytale.
Written in 1993 by British composer Judith Weir, Blond Eckbert weaves a haunting tale of isolation and guilt, based on a supernatural short story by Romantic author Ludwig Tieck. It follows Eckbert and Berthe, who live a life of quiet solitude in their forest home. One day, an old friend pays an unexpected visit, setting in motion a series of revelations and mysteries. As these mysteries swirl and dark secrets unfold, Weir’s music astounds with its expression, complexity and concision.
Presented with Britten Pears Arts, ETO’s production recently opened the 75th Aldeburgh Festival – a pilgrimage for lovers of classical music. Among the glowing reviews, The Times stated that “the subtly nuanced acting and expressive singing of a fine cast adds to that sense of unease”, and Opera Now remarked “the cast showcased vocal prowess with impeccable musicality and intonation”. Much of that cast appears in Buxton, with Flora McIntosh (Berthe), Aoife Miskelly (Bird) and William Morgan (Walther/Hugo/Old Woman) reprising their roles from the Aldeburgh Festival production, and Baritone Alex Otterburn singing the role of Eckbert.
On the same evening, you’ll also be treated to Do not take my story for a fairytale, a new staging of song cycles and cantatas exploring love, isolation and the terrible wonder of the natural world. Featuring music from the same period that Tieck’s Der Blonde Eckbert was written, ETO will explore the shaping of the Romantic imagination through works by Bach, Schubert, Haydn, Beethoven, Martines and Schubert.
Join members of the ETO creative team for a free, pre-show talk where they will share insights into this new production.
The following discounts are available:
Groups (8+)/Senior/Equal Access: £3 off (not valid in Dress Circle)
JSA/Income Support/Students/Children: Half price (not valid in Dress Circle)
Under 35s: £5 (limited availability)
Multibuy: Book this event plus The Snowmaiden and receive £10 off the total price (top two prices only)
