Francesca da Rimini

Today's entry is simple
Francesca da Rimini ...oh my God.
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Challenges

Two rather mountainous challenges are approaching fast - Forza and Francesca. Both are magnificent and Francesca presents us with another opportunity to establish parts of the repertoire in our audience's collective minds. Indeed, we are presenting the public with a challenge of their own - and its not without its benefits to either side. Seven hundred people will have the chance to explore Francesca (and we hope that many of them will be first time opera goers too) free of charge - the 'challenge' is that if, as we believe they will, they like it they can make a donation to our Friends and thus help continue the Inspire Project among other things. Restaurants have been doing this for years; pay what you think the meal is worth etc. So it isn't as innovative a scheme as it first sounds but I am not sure it has been done in opera before. Point is, we believe people take these challenges in the spirit they are intended and we look forward to the feedback. Someone has to expand the rep! Anyway, if you want to take up the Opera Challenge, call the box office on 0845 2309769.
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The final furlong..almost

Four almost down and three (including Fantastic Mr Fox) to go. Forza and Francesca are not exactly small though and in their own ways all three of the final operas upon which we are now embarked are possibly the most challenging in our history but each is a mouthwatering prospect.
It has been a startlingly consistent season thus far and that counts for much in this business. The return of Fidelio has been uplifting and Don Giovanni has given me pause for thought with regard to my opinion of Mozartian opera (only a pause mind you). Audiences have been enraptured by the both and the house is packed to the gunnels. No complaints there then.
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