| Two thrillingly dark operas at Hackney Empire Strap yourself in! Not one but TWO thrilling new operas arrive at Hackney Empire this autumn, bringing with them a torrent of drama, music, enchantment and peril — in a "deliciously disturbing fairy-tale" (The Telegraph) season, courtesy of English Touring Opera.
The Snowmaiden is Rimsky-Korsakov's classic coming of age tale, about the eponymous character who has lived her whole life under the watchful eyes of her parents, but then becomes fascinated by the passionate lives of the villagers living nearby. Yet with a heart of ice, how can she fall in love?
Blond Eckbert is a haunting tale of isolation and guilt, and the secrets we’d rather leave behind. English Touring Opera's production premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts in June 2024 to critical acclaim, and is staged in a double bill alongside 'Do not take my story for a fairytale', featuring chamber music from the same period that Ludwig Tieck’s original story, Der Blonde Eckbert, was published. |
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| The Snowmaiden Since premiering in 1882, The Snowmaiden has enraptured audiences with its vivid characters (like Grandfather Frost, Spring, Wood-Sprite), spellbinding storyline and a soundtrack that straddles brooding opera and colourful folk melodies. It's at Hackney Empire for two nights only — Saturday 28 September and Friday 4 October, so make sure you catch it while you can. |
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| Blond Eckbert A haunting tale of isolation and guilt, based on the supernatural short story by the Romantic author Ludwig Tieck, this new production of Blond Eckbert is staged as part of a double bill, alongside 'Do not take my story for a fairytale', featuring chamber music played on period instruments. Experience it for one night only at Hackney Empire on Saturday 5 October. |
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| What The Critics Say The reviews are already in for one of these spellbinding operas, The Times saying of Blond Eckbert that the audience will feel "a terrific sense of unease in this psychological thriller", while The Guardian has praised "excellent performances from the singers and chamber ensemble". And you can read more rave Spring 2023 reviews of English Touring Opera here. |
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| English Touring Opera
Since 1979, English Touring Opera have been bringing incredible live opera to places throughout the UK. These days, their shows and specialist workshops reach 40,000 people a year — with the mantra of making opera something for everyone, not a select few. When it comes to accessible, enjoyable, memorable opera, these folks are the go-to. |
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