Joe Fuller: Entertainment

Transcendent beauty at Glyndebourne,
and affordable too

Glyndebourne is certainly an ‘everyone should go once’ experience. Not in the sense of it being quintessentially English, or just to say that you have been, but simply because it’s always musically dazzling, a stunning spectacle and a lovely day out. The grounds are colourful and handsome, and the sense of excitement and anticipation for the show is tangible.

I have wildly eclectic taste in music and feel that there is a genuine crossover appeal between opera and pop music that is worth trying out for the culturally curious. I saw Saul at the Festival earlier this year for example and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen (and I’ve been to hundreds!). The staging was ethereal and skilful, with gorgeous, graceful scenes that linger long in the memory. Countertenor Iesytn Davies’ singing was sublime, his pure tone adding to the otherworldly feel of the whole production.

I was lucky enough to see the Tour version of Don Pasquale recently, which features different performers from the Festival show but is still of an exceptionally high quality. The opera has a simple plot, revolving around four protagonists in an ‘opera buffa’ style, which is a comic opera with characters drawn from real life.

Focusing on only four characters ensured that the audience could feel involved in and really understand the farcical goings on, exemplified by the villainous havoc wreaked by American baritone John Brancy in the role of Dr Malatesta. Brancy’s fun, prancing, nefarious doctor was the star of the deftly handled rotating set opening, an ingenious introduction from director Mariame Clément.

The staging was uncluttered but carefully considered, and it’s hopefully not giving too much away to mention that the role of the chorus as mysterious fellow observers is an effective stylistic quirk, addressing the unrealistic melodramatic nature of the character’s actions without undermining them.

The singing was superb, and Finnish tenor Tuomas Katajala’s showstopping aria towards the end was a sweeping, smooth, fluttering performance that was truly beautiful and moving. Live singing of such emotion and transcendent ability can yield memorable, unique experiences, and Glyndebourne is the perfect setting for them.

At the time of writing there are still tickets available, with a wide range of prices depending on where you sit. It’s astonishingly good value, a full price adult ticket in the Circle Sides is only £29 for example whereas concessions (students, job seekers, pension credit and more) can sit in the Front Stalls for only £27.
Go to www.glyndebourne.com to book tickets. Times vary between 4-7pm so please check online.
Don Pasquale, 23, 26, 28, 31 October
Saul, 24, 27, 30 October
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, 25, 29 October
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton