Opera

One of the world’s oldest, most revered art forms, Opera is often misunderstood but is now, in London, trying to open itself to new ideas and new audiences.

Purists needn’t worry, there’s no need to pack away those special glasses just yet, there’s still a wonderful amount of world-class Opera on display. The Royal Opera House is clearly the first place one would think of going to enjoy such high-culture and you certainly wouldn’t be disappointed. The Flying Dutchman is the current winter season offering from the House, which, at 2 hours and 25 minutes without an interval is one which probably shouldn’t be preceded by a long visit to the bar. Bellini’s version of Romeo and Juliet will also be running into April; go to the Globe to see the Shakespearean version before coming to see this to get the full experience!

The English National Opera is a phenomenally exciting group based close to Covent Garden and, as well as classical works such as a new production of the acclaimed La Boheme, they also like to push the boundaries of what Opera can, and indeed should, talk about. Doctor Atomic sees composer John Adams tackle the point in history where man first created the Atomic Bomb; certainly a must see for those who like to push back the often stuffy boundaries of high culture. Another classic, Madame Butterfly, is also being revived by the National this year in tribute to the late director Anthony Minghella. The Saturday 20th June performance of this piece will also be prefaced by a talk with Sarah Lenton, who will look into the heart-wrenching story of the piece.

The Royal Albert Hall is another player in the modernising of Opera. Carmen has been revitalised in the venue and is playing in the round, which adds a new dimension to the classic work. A project was also set up to engage real traveller women in a remake of the story; a way of engaging new audiences with the Opera and helping the opera itself to engage with new struggles and messages of a new society. If you’re inspired by what you see and want to get a more hands –on look at what’s going on, backstage tours are available at the Royal Opera House; each tour is different because the Royal Opera House is a constantly working theatre, so preparations for production are often glimpsed.