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Opera Holland Park is thrilled to announce the return of the acclaimed "Opera in Song 2024" series, curated by the esteemed baritone Julien Van Mellaerts and pianist Dylan Perez. This remarkable event, now in its fourth year, promises an enriching lineup of recitals featuring both established and emerging talents in the world of opera. The series is set to unfold with three recitals, a public masterclass, and a special concert celebrating the 80th birthday of opera legend Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

The series kicks off on June 20, 2024, with a masterclass led by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at 3:30 pm, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous preparation and technical prowess required for opera performance. Dame Kiri, renowned for her interpretations of Mozart, Strauss, and Verdi, will share her invaluable insights and experiences with the 2024 cohort of Opera Holland Park Young Artists.

The same day at 7:30 pm, the series will host a Gala Concert in honor of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's 80th birthday. This special event will feature performances by alumni of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation, showcasing the talents of artists such as Thomas Atkins, Julieth Lozano, Madison Nonoa, Phillip Rhodes, Madeleine Boreham, Samson Setu, and Julien Van Mellaerts, accompanied by Gary Matthewman on piano. Attendees of the gala concert will also have the opportunity to join a post-show drinks reception with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, with tickets priced at £125.

The series continues with "Ballads and Legends" on July 18, 2024, at 7:30 pm, where mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, baritone Julien Van Mellaerts, and pianist Dylan Perez will explore the theme of the sea through songs and duets. The program includes the world premiere of Oded Zehavi’s "Songs of the Sea," featuring lyrics by poets from around the globe.

On July 20, 2024, at 3:00 pm, the "Frauenliebe und -Leben" recital will take place, featuring Benjamin Appl, Harriet Burns, and Ian Tindale. This performance will delve into Robert Schumann’s song cycle, portraying the life stages of a woman through voice and piano.

The series concludes on July 21, 2024, at 6:00 pm with "Comedy and Cabaret," an evening of music, satire, and celebration led by Nicky Spence, Dylan Perez, and the Opera Holland Park Young Artists. This closing event promises a mix of familiar and peculiar pieces, including works by Noel Coward, Stephen Sondheim, and more.

"Opera in Song 2024" at Opera Holland Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of opera through intimate recitals, masterclasses, and celebrations. With a blend of talent and repertoire, this series is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of opera.

Opera in Song 2024

Opera Holland Park

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to present a new semi-staged production of Giacomo Puccini's early romance, "Edgar," set to captivate audiences in July 2024. This compelling opera, a successor to the highly acclaimed "Le Villi" from the 2022 Season, delves into the tumultuous journey of a knight torn between the paths of vice and virtue, represented by two contrasting women: the hedonistic Tigrana and the virtuous Fidelia. Inspired by Alfred de Musset’s play "Le coupe et les lèvres," and set against the backdrop of medieval Flanders, "Edgar" has undergone several revisions since its premiere in 1889, with this production showcasing Puccini’s 1905 edition. 

Audiences will have the opportunity to experience three semi-staged performances, offering a unique chance to engage with Puccini's vivid characterizations of regret and redemption. This production continues Opera Holland Park's tradition of exploring operatic rarities, under the direction of Ruth Knight. The cast features Peter Auty in the title role, alongside Anne Sophie Duprels as Fidelia, Gweneth Ann Rand as Tigrana, and Julien Van Mellaerts as Frank. 

The opera will be performed with the Italian libretto by Ferdinando Fontana, accompanied by English surtitles for accessibility. The City of London Sinfonia and the Opera Holland Park Chorus will provide the musical backdrop, promising an unforgettable auditory experience.

Performances are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, 2nd July 2024 at 8.00pm
- Thursday, 4th July 2024 at 8.00pm
- Saturday, 6th July 2024 at 8.00pm

Ticket prices range across several bands, from the premier seats at £175 (£167 for members) to the INSPIRE tickets at £24, subject to availability. Members can enjoy savings of up to £8 per ticket, alongside other benefits such as no booking fees and discounts at the theatre bar. 

This production of "Edgar" at Opera Holland Park is not just an opera; it's an exploration of human emotion, a testament to Puccini's genius, and a rare opportunity to witness a lesser-known work by one of opera's greatest composers. Book your tickets now for an evening of exquisite music, compelling drama, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness within the human soul.

Julien Van Mellaerts

Baritone

Events

Jun 20 - Jul 21, 2024

Opera in Song 2024 · Opera Holland Park

2 - 6 Jul, 2024

Edgar · Opera Holland Park

Future and recently performed repertoire

Frank in Edgar by Puccini

Opera Holland Park

About

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