DURHAM OPERA ENSEMBLE

DST Annual Theatre Review

Durham Opera Ensemble 2014-15

 

Many singers come to Durham for its great choral tradition, and have never experienced opera before. It is such a joy to entice them at the Freshers' Fair and introduce them to the world of singing, acting, costumes, orchestras and even some dancing! Durham Opera Ensemble has had its most challenging but successful year yet. We were very lucky to have masterclasses from three world-class singers and produced not three but four spectacular productions throughout the year, one of which was our inaugural show at the Gala Theatre, the Marriage of Figaro.

 

The first term saw our production of War and Peace: A Portrait of Conflicting Opera, staged in Castle's Great Hall. The show, a selection of scenes reflecting the representation of conflict in opera, marked the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. As such we decided to use the event to raise money for the Royal British Legion and I am pleased to tell you that we were able to raise £297. Thank you to everybody who donated so generously.

 

The experience of staging a show in the Gala was a great learning curve for all involved, however the product was phenomenal. Rebecca Meltzer's concept whisked us into the swinging '60s in all its mini skirted glory. Her contribution to DOE over the last three years has been tremendous and we are extremely proud that her talent has not got unnoticed, as she takes up her post with Dorset Opera, assistant directing 'L'elisir d'amore'.

 

The third term is always jam-packed with musical events post-exams, however we managed to put on two productions in the space of three weeks! We were lucky to work with world-renowned harpist and early music specialist, Andrew Lawrence-King, to present Europe's first ever opera, Cavalieri's 'Rappresentatione di Anima et di Corpo'. Andrew's insights into the historical performance practice of the opera were invaluable and the process an interesting one for all involved.

Our final opera was an alfresco performance of Gluck's 'Orpheus and Euridice', set in the beautiful grounds of the Botanical Gardens. We view the third-term show as an opportunity for those who haven't been part of a production team before to hone their skills. As such, Crispin Lord and George Cook did a fantastic job with the well-known tragedy, and I was particularly grateful for their direction.

 

Throughout the year, we were invited to sing at a number of events for the University, including the Vice Chancellor's Garden Party, Castle's June Ball and Sir Thomas Allen's Birthday Party in the Great Hall. We had masterclasses from Sir Thomas, Rachel Nicholls and Mary Bevan and are fortunate to be the only University in the country to offer masterclasses with singers of such a calibre.

 

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without Lewis Whyte, the President, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes with Experience Durham to ensure that we produced the most professional productions possible. I am very grateful for his lead, and I am excited and proud to be filling his shoes for the year ahead. Plans are already well underway! We are delighted to have been asked back to perform at the Gala Theatre on 12th and 13th February 2016, which we can announce will be the world's favourite opera, Bizet's CARMEN! We plan to involve singers from local schools for the Children's Chorus, and hope to go on our first tour in the summer!

 

Sophie Kidwell

President of Durham Opera Ensemble 2015-16