Mahogany Opera is emerging as an exciting new force in the world of opera.
Artistic Director Frederic Wake-Walker draws together artists and ideas to create full-scale productions, collaborative projects and Collective Thinkings.

The Fox by Igor STRAVINSKY
The Bear by William Walton

18 April 2008 at 8pm 19 April at 4pm & 8pm
The Jubilee Hall Aldeburgh Suffolk

24 25 26 April 2008 at 6pm & 9pm
The Village Underground Shoreditch London EC2A 3PQ

Aldeburgh Music Box Office
01728 687 110
www.aldeburgh.co.uk

 

 

RUSSIAN TALES

singers

Catherine Hopper

Alex Ashworth

Stefan Holmström

John McMunn

Benjamin Segal

Marcin Gesla

director

Frederic Wake-Walker

designer

Anna Jones

Lighting

Dan Large

with

the Aurora Orchestra

conducted by

Nicholas Collon

russian tales
Russian Tales weaves together two short operas that combine satire, farce and pastiche to make brutal and comical attacks on love, art and society.  Set in early 20th century Russia, this production, inspired by the Constructivist movement and Meyerhold’s bio-mechanics, paints an angular, industrial, cartoon-like picture of a world on the move.

THE FOX
The Fox is a new translation by Frederic Wake-Walker of Renard. The original text is by Stravinsky and is based on a traditional Russian folk tale.

It tells the fable of the cockerel that is tricked by the fox. The cat and the goat come to the cockerel’s rescue and kill the fox. The piece makes a number of satirical attacks, especially against the aristocracy and the church.

The music for Renard is intended as a ballet with four singers in the pit. This production takes the singers and puts them on the stage. Stravinsky’s interesting orchestration, that includes a cimbalom, and use of folk tunes and rhythms creates a humorous and energised work.

First performed 1922, Ballets Russes, Théâtre de l’Opéra, Paris
4 singers, 14 players 20 mins

THE BEAR
The Bear is based on the Chekhov play of the same name, with a libretto by Paul Dehn and the composer.

It tells the story of a young widow who is visited by her neighbour demanding that she settles her late husband’s debt. After a hot dispute, which culminates in a duel, the couple admit their undying love for one another. It is a wonderfully astute commentary on the battle of the sexes.

Walton complements the witty text with music that is both expansive and comical, including pastiches of many famous composers including Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Britten and Stravinsky.

First performed 1967, Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh Festival
3 singers, 3 actors, 17 players 50 mins