Belvoir Castle will host an evening of opera and songs from musicals, led by Orlando Jopling
A night of opera and songs from musicals is presented at Belvoir Castle under the direction of renowned musical director Orlando Jopling.
The evening will feature four singers and five chamber musicians from Orlando’s Wild Arts company performing in the wonderful acoustics of the castle ballroom.
It takes place on Thursday, June 9.
The evening will follow the journeys of four characters through a kaleidoscope of arias, duets and ensembles from a carefully selected repertoire drawn from the worlds of opera and musical comedy.
Music by Britten, Strauss, Handel, Verdi and Mozart will be accompanied by songs from the greatest comedians, Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Wild Arts Artistic Director and Conductor Orlando Jopling has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players and Irish Chamber Orchestra, among others.
He was Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor to the Royal Orchestral Society for ten years.
The event marks the first of a new artistic strand of programming to be presented by Belvoir’s Managing Director, Emma Stenning, who brings a wealth of experience in the performing arts from her previous roles.
Emma said: “I was delighted to join Belvoir Castle last December in this new role as Managing Director, and I can’t believe how quickly the last five months have passed as I have come to know the estate and the wonderful communities of people who live and work here.
“I have a background in the performing arts, as a theater, opera and music producer, so I came here with a real passion for bringing live performances to the castle and the park.
“I couldn’t be more delighted to present our first event in what I hope will become a regular working schedule. Orlando Jopling is an extraordinary conductor and musician, whose career-long project to bring quality, world-class music to local and community settings is something I have long admired.
“When I invited him to bring his ensemble to perform in our beautiful ballroom, he jumped at the chance.
“Whether you are an opera lover or a beginner, this event will be for you, and I encourage you to join us from the start as we move to bring more live performances to this historic setting.”
Designed to be relaxed, informal and accessible, guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a picnic in the historic formal gardens of Belvoir from 5.30pm.
The Portes du Portique du Château will open from 6:45 p.m. and the performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.