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A new partnership between long-time collaborators Daisy Evans and Stephen Higgins who have a shared passion and vision for presenting opera in new and exciting ways, Theatre of Sound will foster a free flow of artistic ideas across genres and artforms to create intimate, inclusive and innovative experiences of opera for people of all backgrounds. It will launch in November 2021 with a brand new and immersive production of Bluebeard’s Castle by Béla Bartók, co-produced by Opera Ventures and in partnership with Stone Nest.

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Turning the Gothic thriller on its head, the story will be retold through the lens of a family living with dementia in a staged production at Stone Nest, a stunning former Welsh chapel in the heart of London’s West End, from 4th -14th November. For an audience of up to 200, this intimate re-imagining of the opera for chamber orchestra promises to take audiences on a unique theatrical experience that will place them at the heart of the action. It will also mark the first time a staged opera production has taken place in front of an audience at Stone Nest.

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Sung in English in a newly-commissioned translation, the production features a stellar cast including internationally renowned singers Susan Bullock, Gerald Finley, Michael Mayes and Gweneth Ann Rand sharing the principal roles of Duke Bluebeard and Judith under the dynamic direction of Evans, Higgins and their creative team. In a new chamber orchestration, players from the virtuosic London Sinfonietta accompany the fourteen performances conducted by Higgins.   

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Marking the start of an extended partnership that will explore opera as a powerful pathway for connection with each other and the world around us, Theatre of Sound will join forces with Live Music Now to facilitate creative participation programme Judith’s Castle. Created in collaboration with families living with dementia to explore the role of music in key moments of their lives, new works by emerging female composers will be presented in special performances on the set of the opera production at Stone Nest, featuring musicians from Live Music Now and the London Sinfonietta.

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Further details including dementia-friendly performances and a series of talks and insights from specialists in the field of dementia care, will be announced at a later date.

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PLEASE NOTE:

Stone Nest is an old building and unfortunately cannot currently accommodate electric wheelchairs. We can accommodate manually operated wheelchairs via a temporary ramp; please let us know that you are a wheelchair user when booking and whether a Companion will be accompanying you. 

Entrance is via the Shaftesbury Road door

Comfortable footwear and warm clothing is recommended!

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Theatre of Sound is indebted to the following generous supporters who have helped us create this new production:

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The Martin Smith Foundation

The Tadpole Trust

Patti and George White

Clara and Percy Weatherall