March offers a wealth of musical events, including the latest instalment of Barrie Kosky’s production of the Ring cycle and Handel’s Imeneo, promising something for both seasoned opera-goers and newcomers alike, reports BritPanorama.
In addition to large-scale opera performances, numerous excellent chamber concerts will take place across the country, including visits to historically significant venues such as Handel’s house and Leighton House, known for its medieval ceramics collection.
Family concerts at Handel’s house
Handel Hendrix House, 1 March
The location for this year’s London Handel Festival is notable in its own right. The early Georgian townhouse in Belgravia served as Handel’s home, where many of his works were composed and rehearsed. Compellingly, it later housed Jimi Hendrix. The family concerts aim to dramatise Handel’s life, showcasing instruments from his era and recounting stories of his friendships and birthday celebrations.
Tetzlaff Quartet
Elgar Concert Hall, Birmingham, 4 March
The Tetzlaff Quartet stands as a unique entity in the classical music world. Founded in 1994 by violinist Christian Tetzlaff, who overcame severe neuro-dermatitis to continue his musical career, the quartet remains intact and continues to perform to enthusiastic audiences. Their upcoming concert features works by Schubert and Dvorak, reaffirming their status as a top-tier ensemble.
Gianni Schicchi (Or where there’s a will)
OperaUpClose, on tour 5-21 March
The award-winning OperaUpClose company presents a fresh take on Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, titling their newest production in connection with ongoing discussions about inheritance and entitlement. This adaptation features six singers and four instrumentalists, sharing a new English libretto that effectively communicates the contemporary relevance of the social satire inherent in the original work. Performances will occur in cities including Southampton, Chichester, and London.
Siegfried
Royal Opera House, London, 17 March – 6 April
The Royal Opera will host a significant production of Wagner’s Ring cycle, which is expected to be the biggest musical event of the month. Under the direction of Barrie Kosky, the performance will last over four hours, featuring a distinguished cast and the renowned conductor Antonio Pappano. Kosky has added a unique touch, introducing a non-singing character, Erda the Earth Mother, to underline the overarching themes of the work.
Imeneo
Cambridge Buddhist Centre, 23-28 March
The Cambridge Handel Opera Company is set to present Handel’s rarely performed Imeneo with the help of local school students, integrating them into various roles within the production. This initiative aims to engage young people with opera, countering perceptions that it is an exclusive art form. The production opens on 23 March, highlighting community involvement in the arts.
Discoveries Series IV
Leighton House, London, 31 March
The Spring Discoveries series at Leighton House begins with a performance by the Azurite Duo, comprising violinist Takanori Okamoto and pianist Lily Petrova. Both musicians have displayed impressive talent from a young age, with Okamoto’s accolades in Britain and Petrova’s recent performance of Kurtág’s Játékok. The concert will feature compositions from Mozart, Ravel, and Beethoven, set against the backdrop of a notable museum.
