Benjamin Britten’s 1954 adaptation of Henry James’ classic 1898 gothic novella about malevolent spirits haunting (perhaps) innocent children retains the mysterious ambiguities of the original story. Are the ghosts hallucinations and projections of the repressed mind of the children’s governess? Or are they real? Iain will explore the supernatural and psychological dimensions of this timelessly […]

This extraordinary and multi-dimensional opera combines and contrasts the low-brow appeal of popular comedy as expressed in the Commedia dell’arte with the high seriousness of a penetrating interpretation of Greek myth. The work is in two parts. Its “Prologue” highlights the chaotic backstage preparations for an imminent theatrical performance, while its “Opera” contrasts two extreme […]

Donizetti’s 1832 send-up of the “love potion” meme is one of the most popular comic operas of all time. It is full of indelibly memorable tunes and Bel Canto display opportunities for its four principal singers. It parodies the supposed magical properties of potions that make someone fall deeply in love. Our simple hero becomes […]