The Telegraph
"[Nicholas Chalmers] conducts both of this year's [Nevill Holt Opera] offerings - I heard A Midsummer Night's Dream, which he led in robust fashion, drawing lively and affectionate playing from Britten Sinfonia."
Read MoreNevill Holt Opera: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Market Harborough
12 – 16 Jun 2019
Britten
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Artists
Summary
A lovers tiff between fairy-king Oberon and his queen Tytania leads to a night of mistaken identities, confused lovers and alarming transformations.
Based on Shakespeare’s comedy, with a magical score by Benjamin Britten, this new production for NHO will be directed by Anna Morrissey (Noye’s Fludde 2017) and designed by Simon Kenny (Le Nozze di Figaro 2018).
A cast of young artists will shine as the NHO theatre is transformed for the opening of our 2019 festival. Our fantastic NHO Children’s Chorus will make a welcome return as the Chorus of Fairies.
Featuring Britten Sinfonia, under the baton of conductor Nicholas Chalmers.
Reviews
The Sunday Times
"A terrific ensemble achievement, and Chalmers’s conducting of the outstanding Britten Sinfonia lent the music a special magic in the warm, woody acoustic."
Read MoreThe Arts Desk
"Deftly conducted by Nicholas Chalmers, Britten Sinfonia (what a luxury as a pit band) use their slim string numbers to bring translucency and a spare, angular beauty to Britten's score."
Read MoreBachtrack
"Most of the magic on opening night emanated from this pit. Britten Sinfonia, under Nevill Holt Opera’s artistic director Nicholas Chalmers, teased out every icy sul ponticello and slithering glissando in Britten’s brilliantly orchestrated score. The precision of the woodwind and brass playing was superb, resounding with clarity."
Read MoreTown and Country Magazine
"Musical standards were high in the pit, with Britten Sinfonia directed by Nicholas Chalmers. Impressive were American bass-baritone Lawson Anderson as Bottom, who has a powerful voice and swaggering stage presence, and Daisy Brown's silvery-toned Tytania."
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