A revival of the Festival 2009 production

Falstaff

Glyndebourne

Falstaff bites off more than he can chew when he messes with the merry wives of Windsor. Set in 1940s post-war England, this Shakespeare-meets-Ealing-comedy production combines humour with music that bursts with energy.

Imagine a starburst galaxy mixed with birdsong, sumptuous love music infused by gamelan, and you’re halfway to the incredible fireworks of this masterwork: pure passion on a cosmic scale.

Centenary Gala: Turangalîla Symphony

Brighton Dome

### Event Description: Sonata for Broken Fingers - A Chamber Opera

**Event Title:** Sonata for Broken Fingers - A Chamber Opera

**Date and Time:** Sunday, 14th July 2024, 4:30 PM (Pre-Concert Talk at 3:30 PM)

**Venue:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:**
- General: £15.00
- Student: £7.50
- Under 12s: FREE with a paying adult

**Event Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for the world premiere of "Sonata for Broken Fingers," a new chamber opera composed by Joe Cutler with a libretto by Max Hoehn. This dark absurdist thriller, inspired by the life of virtuoso pianist Maria Yudina, explores the meaning of music in a terrifying world. Set in the last days of Stalin’s reign, the opera follows a desperate and seemingly hopeless search for a missing pianist triggered by a mysterious phone call from the Kremlin.

**Artists:**
- **Composer:** Joe Cutler
- **Libretto:** Max Hoehn
- **Conductor:** Sian Edwards
- **Cast:** Claire Booth, James Cleverton, Stephen Richardson, Lucy Schaufer, and Christopher Lemmings

**Production Details:**
- **Commissioned by:** Opera21
- **Co-produced by:** Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Birmingham Record Company
- **Supported by:** Radcliffe Trust, Vaughan Williams Foundation, Swiss Cultural Fund, Hinrichsen Foundation, The Marchus Trust, The Golsoncott Foundation, Maria Bjornson Fund, Oleg Prokofiev Trust, and Francis Routh Trust

**Additional Information:**
This intimate sound experience is influenced by the radio operas of the past and the recent flourishing of audio drama during the pandemic. Stay tuned for a future album release by Birmingham Record Company.

**Booking Information:**
- **Book your tickets** [here](#)
- **Contact:** 0121 616 2616

**Add to Calendar:**
- **Start:** 14th July 2024, 4:30 PM
- **End:** 14th July 2024, 6:00 PM

Don't miss this unique and compelling performance that brings to life a story of music, survival, and intrigue.

Sonata for Broken Fingers - A Chamber Opera

CBSO Centre

Joe Cutler and Max Hoehn’s new opera explores the meaning of music in a terrifying world. Inspired by the remarkable life of Maria Yudina, the virtuoso pianist and survivor of Stalin’s purges, this dark absurdist thriller is brought to life by BCMG and a fine cast of soloists. Conceived as an intimate sound experience, the piece is influenced by the radio operas of the past and the recent flourishing of audio drama during the pandemic.

Sian Edwards

Events

Past events

Jul 13 - Aug 24, 2025

Falstaff · Glyndebourne

Jul 13 - Aug 24, 2025

Falstaff · London Philharmonic Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Falstaff by Verdi

London Philharmonic Orchestra

About

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