King Priam, Royal Opera House (English Touring Opera)

This is a brand new production of a rarely performed and lesser-known opera by English composer Michael Tippett. TheEnglish Touring Opera are describing it as their most challenging project to date. Just as Britten has had a prominent year, Tippett deserves a similar recognition and is worth discovering, if you haven’t already, as an important composer of the twentieth century.

First performed in 1962 in Coventry, King Priam was created to commemorate the consecration of the new cathedral and to remember the great human loss of World War II. King Priam tells the story of the last days of Troy, told from the perspective of the ageing king. Priam's wife has a dream that their newborn son will be the cause of King Priam’s death.  He is torn between love for the child and his duty as a king and reluctantly agrees to the boy's murder. His choice inevitably leads to war and disaster.

This opera is in English and shorter than the grand classics running at two and a half hours. The music is distinctive, combining melodies with the driving rhythms of war machines. 

There will be a pre-performance talk at 6.45pm in the Clore Studio on all dates of this performance, except 15 February. The talk will be free to ticket holders, with admission on a first come first served basis. Though it’s unreserved seating and there won’t be enough seats for everyone so if you want to go to the talk, you have to make sure you get there suitably early so you don’t miss out.

SOLD OUT

Lindbury Studio Theatre

Address:  Royal Opera House, BowStreet,  London WC2E 9DD  

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden