Local Oundle and district singers are well represented in the next production of Peterborough Opera. This is to be a fully staged production with orchestra of two short operas: Gianni Schicchi and Cavalleria Rusticana at Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre from Thursday 8th November to Saturday 10th November, all at 7.30pm. Both operas will be sung in
English.

Colin Pendrill is playing the title role in Gianni Schicchi, the third of Puccini’s three one-act operas in his Il Trittico, and the only comedy. Colin is joined by Diana Awdry (Nella), Marie Hayes (La Ciesca) and Andrew Spurrell as the Lawyer. This fun opera of deception features the well-known aria ‘O my beloved father’, one of the shortest of all opera arias. This is sung by the character Lauretta, played by newcomer Lyndsey Evans from the Boston area, who is joined by Oliver Perkins from Cambridge, playing Rinuccio.

Cavalleria Rusticana, a tragedy of love and betrayal by Mascagni, also features well-known music, that of the chorus piece ‘Easter Hymn’ and also the orchestral ‘Intermezzo’. Liz Williams is playing the lead female role of Santuzza and is joined by Hilary Pendrill playing Lola and Diane Harcourt playing Lucia. Local Oundle folk will also be part of the Easter procession.

Both operas are being produced by Shirley Burchell, an experienced singer and producer of many G&S and grand operas. Colin Ray is responsible for set painting and Peter Burchell is the oboist in the orchestra.

Tickets £13 (conc. £12), children under 16 accompanied by an adult free of charge, are available from the theatre box office on 01780 766455.

 

Local SIngers Join In Opera

Local SIngers Join In Opera