Opera North: The Rite of Spring and Gianni Schicchi at The Lowry

Johnny James, Managing Editor
Opera North

Opera North: The Rite of Spring and Gianni Schicchi at The Lowry, Salford 8 March 2019 Tickets from £20 — Book now

In the first ever collaboration between Opera North and Leeds-based contemporary dance company Phoenix Dance Theatre, a bold re-imagination of The Rite of Spring will be paired with Puccini’s wicked operatic comedy, Gianni Schicchi.

Few works have evoked such controversy as Stravinsky’s ground-breaking ballet, The Rite of Spring, whose 1913 premiere ended in an all-out riot. Utterly disregarding convention, Stravinsky’s music and Nijinsky’s choreography was a total scandal, eliciting just the reaction that the composer had hoped for. Little did the audience at the time know, the work would go on to revolutionise 20th century music and dance.

Aiming to shock with his own version of the work, Haitan-born choreographer Jeanguy Saintus re-imagines The Rite of Spring in a way that depicts the crushing power of nature, the relentless growth of capitalism and technology, and the inevitable fate of the sacrificial victim. The original modernist score will sit at the heart of all this, with the full force of the Orchestra of Opera North performing Stravinsky’s angular, dissonant and unpredictable music.

Next up will be Puccini’s short opera Gianni Schicchi, directed by Christopher Alden. Originally part of Il Trittico, a collection of three one-act operas, it’s a sparkling commedia dell’arte’ about a dying rich man and his scheming relatives. Gathering around the death-bed of Buoso, each of his family members lays claim to a chunk of his fortune, before questionably seeking the help of local conman Gianni Schicchi, who has a cunning plan of his own.

Amongst the farce lies some of Puccini’s sweetest music, including one of his best-loved arias, O! Mio Babbino Caro. Richard Burkhard returns to Opera North to sing the title role with a supporting cast that includes Tereza Gevorgyan as Lauretta, Diego Silva as Rinuccio and Leah-Marian Jones as Zita. Internationally-renowned Scottish conductor Garry Walker takes on conducting duties for both works.

Offering two very different reflections on the decline of the old order and the beginning of the new, this exciting double bill is a must see at The Lowry.

Opera North: The Rite of Spring and Gianni Schicchi at The Lowry, Salford 8 March 2019

Book Now

What's on at The Lowry

What's on: Music

Until
ActivityManchester
DJ Gym at Hatch

Learn some DJ and production skills with DJ Gym Manchester, based in the culturally infused surrounds of Hatch.

from £269
Until
MusicManchester
RNCM Summer Season 2023

Read our highlights from the RNCM Summer Season, from 50th anniversary celebrations to partnership events with MIF23 and Opera North.

MusicManchester
Roger Waters at AO Arena

Pink Floyd legend Roger Waters brings his This Is Not A Drill tour to Manchester’s AO Arena, performing both solo and Pink Floyd material.

from £98.50
MusicManchester
Darkside at New Century

Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington AKA Darkside bring their dreamy mélange of psychedelia, art rock and electronica to New Century.

from £31.42

Culture Guides

Music

We go all in on festivals, with a round-up of everything from city-spanning giants to grassroots gems you may not know about.

Exhibitions

There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!

Classical Music

Summer's classical music calendar is filling up nicely! Read our top picks of concerts happening in Manchester and the North.

Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House
Families

The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Gerry Potter (credit Lee Baxter)
Literature

Books are big this summer, with festival readings, poetry slams, creative writing activities and famous faces all putting in an appearance.

Food and Drink

All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.

Tours and Activities

From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.