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The Review - CLASSICAL & JAZZ
Published: 2 July 2009

Roderick Williams in L’Amour de Loin

Landscapes of l’amour painted by circus opera

PREVIEW: L'AMOUR DE LOIN
ENO Coliseum

A MAJOR new opera by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho is getting its UK premiere early next month in an English National Opera production at the Coliseum.
The haunting and beautifully coloured work was greeted with enthusiasm by the opera world when it was first performed nine years ago at the Salzburg Festival.
Physical theatre and modern opera combine to tell the story of a 12th- century troubadour’s search for love across a constantly changing theatrical landscape.
The production is being directed by Daniele Finzi, a leading light of the circus-as-art revolution.
Edward Gardner, the ENO’s music director, was at the Salzburg world premiere.
“I was working as an assistant in Salzburg at the time,” he says.
“When I went to the premiere, I experienced this extraordinary soundscape. What struck me is that Kaija’s music is totally individual, it’s unique, and it just feels like you’re in a magical kingdom.
“The piece is very much a modern day Tristan and Isolde. It is a piece which has two people who want to be desperately in love with each other – are searching for love – divided by an ocean.
“They spend the entire opera trying to find a means to reach each other. Eventually they do but with a tragic, you could say transcendental ending.”
Joan Rodgers, Roderick Williams and Diana Montague will sing the principal roles, interacting with an extraordinary troupe of acrobats and performers.

*Performances at the Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2, on July 3, 7, 9, and 11 at 7.30pm, from £20
0871 472 0600,

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