|
|
 |
| |
| |
The all-inclusive Opera London company cast are set to perform Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro at the Shaw Theatre |
A new (opera) house music scene
PREVIEW: MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Shaw Theatre
WHEN the words “Camden” and “music” come together in the same sentence, opera generally isn’t the genre that springs to mind. The borough’s music scene is famous for being all things indie and edgy, and you’d be excused for raising an eyebrow at the prospect of Camden being spellt with a “high C”.
But all that might change if Colin Jaque has his way. The Hampstead-based producer has established Opera London, a musical venture that hopes to spring opera from the confines of its cultural ivory tower.
Premiering at Camden’s Shaw Theatre this week with a new production of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, Opera London wants to highlight the musical and acting talent populating UK opera – despite suffering from a lack of suitable performance venues.
“There simply aren’t enough venues for young and talented singers to show off their talents,” Colin said during a break from the hectic round of rehearsals. “Opera is traditionally so expensive to produce and singers either go straight into an established opera company or struggle to be given a voice.”
Opera London bridges this gap, he explains: “Theatre has the fringe but there are very few similar opportunities for young singers in the world of opera. There are many aspiring professionals who didn’t have the luxury of attending music colleges, and are just as dedicated and just as good, and have invested in training privately.
“They have difficulty entering the profession, because the profession favours young music school graduates. Opera London is a company that believes in plucking out the best of the opera circuit, whatever their background, and providing a platform to grow and be seen on a wider stage.”
The cast of 22 is largely drawn from Hampstead and Highgate and other parts of Camden and the players’ ages range from 20 to 70.
Colin, a career lawyer and ardent, semi-professional opera singer for many years, has established an extensive network of music contacts. While appearing in productions at Highgate’s Upstairs at the Gatehouse, a fringe theatre venue which annually stages opera, he met Racky Plews. Racky directed two of these productions and, after sell-out runs, Colin decided that his idea had legs and that he would set about giving a voice to London’s untapped sources of opera talent.
Commenting on the task ahead, Racky said: “I am particularly excited that we have effectively taken such a diverse group of professional and semi-professional singers from across London and created a new opera company.
“Opera is traditionally limited to the big opera houses or large venues, so to produce a totally new version of Figaro at the Shaw is a challenge.”
With a 16-piece orchestra, traditional sets and costumes and an Olivier award-winning lighting designer in the form of Mike Robertson, Figaro at the Shaw is a wonderful crossover project – taking the best elements of professional and marrying them to the dedication and enthusiasm of independent, local projects.
With schools secretary Ed Balls looking to extend the diet of teenagers to include five hours of culture a week, the timing of Colin’s project looks promising. What better way to draw young people to the arts, than to show them the possibilities on their own doorstep?
• The Marriage of Figaro (sung in English) is at the Shaw Theatre from February 21-
February 24 at 7.30pm (Sunday 2pm). £40 (limited standing tickets at £10). 0870 033 2600. All profits will be donated to charities for child care homes and prostate cancer research. www.operalondon.info |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
