Gloria - A Pigtale (Mahogany Opera Group), Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House

If there is one opera to take the kids to this summer, this is it. In July, Mahogany Opera Group, a new operatic conglomerate formed from The Opera Group and Mahogany Opera, bring H. K. Gruber’s marvelous Gloria - A Pigtale to Covent Garden. 

For those of you who are as yet unfamiliar with Gruber’s work, expect something dazzling, exciting, and unwaveringly eccentric. Originally hailing from Vienna, Gruber emerged from the post-Schoenbergian gloom of the mid-20th century with his own highly distinctive sound which drew on every style imaginable, from dodecaphony to jazz to the old dance traditions of his native city. He made his reputation internationally with the brilliant Frankenstein!!, a self-proclaimed “pan-daemonium” for chansonnier (a role that Gruber himself frequently plays to this day) and orchestra. We suggest Frankenstein!! as essential listening for anyone looking to find out a little more about Gruber’s music.

True to Gruber’s house-style, Gloria - A Pigtale mixes genres with a refreshing lack of concern for convention. It tells the story of Gloria, “the most beautiful pig in the mountains”, who is ostracised by the other members of the sty on account of her golden curly hair. The resulting quest for acceptance culminates in a close shave with a seductive butcher (complete with a chorus of singing sausages), before Gloria is eventually united with her curly-tailed knight in shining armour.

Gloria - A Pigtale is directed by Mahogany Opera Group’s Artistic Director Frederic Wake-Walker, whose interpretation adds a glitzy cabaret sheen to the proceedings. Wake-Walker’s imaginative ensemble work is particularly strong, and we look forward to seeing what he does with the piece’s ever-present chorus. We are also looking forward to seeing Canadian soprano Gillian Keith star in the title role, which her highly distinctive voice and playful character will suit perfectly.

Offering something for everyone, Mahogany Opera Group’s Gloria - A Pigtale will be perfect for family get-togethers and office outings, so grab a bunch of tickets while you can!

Tickets go on sale to Friends of the Royal Opera House on March 19, and will be available for general booking on April 8.