A trio of Ellen Kent Operas come to the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford this April!
Award-winning producer Ellen Kent makes a welcome return to the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford next month with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv featuring international soloists, a highly praised chorus, and a full orchestra.
They will be performing stunning classical productions of Puccini’s La Bohème on Tuesday 15 April, Verdi’s La Traviata on Wednesday 16 April and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly on Thursday 17 April.
La Bohème, one of the most romantic operas ever written, is traditionally staged and features beautiful sets and costumes. Starring Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian soprano Viktoria Melnyk, Georgian tenor Davit Sumbadze and Armenian tenor Hovhannes Andreasyan.
Set in the backstreets and attics of Bohemian Paris, this powerful and emotional opera tells the heart-breaking tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer, Rodolfo. Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles, this classic story of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Musetta’s Waltz.
Directed by Ellen Kent, La Bohème’s sumptuous set is inspired by the art of the Bohemian period, particularly Chagall and Renoir. It reflects the Bohemian art of the period, and the authentic costumes will transport audiences immediately to Bohemian Paris.
The production includes snow effects and Musetta’s adorable dog may also make an entrance.
La Traviata, the tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias.
Starring Ukrainian soprano Viktoria Melnyk, Korean soprano Elena Dee, Georgian tenor Davit Sumbadze and Armenian tenor Hovhannes Andreasyan.
Based on a true story, La Traviata tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta. There are many echoes of Verdi’s own life in La Traviata and he threw himself into the music. Highlights include the Brindisi, the best-known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta’s haunting aria Addio Del Passato.
Sung in in Italian with English surtitles and directed by Ellen Kent, this magnificent production also boasts sumptuous sets and costumes.
Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly, winner of the BEST OPERA AWARD by the Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards, returns in a new production featuring exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.
Madama Butterfly sees the return of the fabulous Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian soprano Viktoria Melnyk, Ukrainian mezzo-soprano Yelyzaveta Bielous, Georgian tenor Davit Sumbadze and Armenian tenor Hovhannes Andreasyan.
One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles, highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.
As in previous UK and Ireland opera tours, Ellen Kent personally hand-picks and directs all soloists to create visually beautiful and moving productions.
Ellen Kent said “I am delighted to be working with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv again after the huge success of the 2023 & 2024 tours. I started working with Ukraine in 2000 and have continued these strong relationships ever since, working with the Odessa National Opera for which I was awarded The Golden Fortune Honorary Medal from the President of the Ukraine, as well as the Kharkiv National Opera and for the last couple of years with the brilliant Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.”
Photographs can be downloaded here:
Cast subject to change.
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