Roméo et Juliette, Grange Park Opera

Shakespeare's tragedy of lovers from enemy families unfolds in song in Gounod's beautiful opera, staged in the countryside

Olena Tokar sings Juliette in Gounod's opera, after Shakespeare. Photo: Frank Tuerpe
It doesn't seem five minutes since the South Korean tenor David Junghoon Kim was being murdered on his wedding night by his bride in Lucia di Lammermoor, at the Royal Opera House.

We can't promise him a much happier ending in Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, based on Shakespeare's tragedy, but at least this bride loves Kim's Roméo – and there is plenty to celebrate in the singer's rapid career. Future appearances at the Royal Opera House include Macduff in Verdi's Macbeth.

At the Theatre in the Woods in West Horsley Place, he is joined by the Ukainian soprano Olena Tokar, as Juliette, for the doomed love affair that finally unites two warring families, but at terrible cost. An audience favourite, Tokar was both a Song Prize finalist and overall finalist at the career-making 2013 Cardiff Singer of the World competition.

Gounod's opera, first performed in Paris 150 years ago in 1867, is famous for its lush music and fine duets, as the story of the star-cross'd lovers unfolds to its tragic ending.

Roméo et Juliette is one of three operas to be staged at Grange Park Opera in 2018 in its attactive and handy new Surrey home, unveiled for the first time last year, on the inherited estate of television personality Bamber Gascoigne. Look out too for Oklahoma! and Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera.

With the Orchestra of English National Opera conducted by Stephen Barlow, the new Grange Park Opera production is directed by Patrick Mason, designed by Francis O'Connor and lit by David Plater. Choreography is by Lynne Hockney.

Booking opens 10am, Tues 6 Feb. Performances are on 23 and 26 June, 1, 4, and 6 July. Roméo et Juliette is sung in French with English surtitles. Published prices include a voluntary donation to Grange Park Opera development.
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What Roméo et Juliette, Grange Park Opera
Where Grange Park Opera, West Horsley Place, West Horsley,, Leatherhead, KT24 6AW | MAP
Nearest tube Waterloo (underground)
When 23 Jun 18 – 06 Jul 18, 6:00 PM – 10:15 PM
Price £75 - £195
Website Click here for more information and booking




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