Festival 2020 staff picks
In anticipation of public booking, we've asked some of the Glyndebourne staff which opera they're looking forward to the most.
Related links
Dialogues des Carmélites
L’elisir d’amore
‘My highlight for this summer will be to experience once again the joy of L’elisir d’amore! I watched this production seven times during our tour last autumn, welcoming over 1800 young people through our Performances for Schools programme, and found it fascinating to see how every performance felt fresh and how much fun the performers were having on stage each night. It’s a delightful production, with beautiful design and lighting, superb music and is very family-friendly.’
Alcina
‘We will soon be starting the creative process for the make-up in Alcina and the whole make-up department are really looking forward to bringing the stunning designs to life. It’s going to be glamorous and spectacular; we love Handel’s music and what a treat it’ll be to have this beautiful opera at Glyndebourne for the first time.’
Die Entführung aus dem Serail
‘This summer I’m really excited that we are reviving Die Entführung aus dem Serail. The production is a classic, with excellent attention to detail that creates beautiful imagery on stage. Musically, I’m really looking forward to Lisette Oropesa’s Konstanza, particularly the aria ‘Marten aller arten’ which is both technically demanding and dramatically fascinating, requiring about 10 minutes of virtuosic performance.’
Fidelio
‘When I hear the music of Beethoven’s one and only opera, Fidelio, I am swept away by its beauty. Combine that with Frederic Wake-Walker’s sublime direction and some striking visuals and I have a sneaky feeling we’re in for a birthday-sized treat, especially with the ongoing generous help of so many of our supporters who are helping fund this fantastic production. What better way to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday?’
The Rake’s Progress
‘It’s really exciting to see the return of The Rake’s Progress this Festival. It’s meant that myself and the rest of the retail team have been able to delve back into David Hockney’s designs which are going to be inspiring some brand new products (much more news on that soon). It is going to be such a thrill to see his designs back on stage again, it is what makes this production of this opera so iconic and unforgettable.’