An Opera Zuid Production in collaboration with Buxton International Festival, featuring the Buxton International Festival Orchestra.
Poor Frank! He’s taken on the running of a new theatre company and he is now more than a little frazzled. The demands of his financer would be enough, but he also has to contend with auditions and managing the inflated egos of his two sopranos. Both are divas who are vying (with their vocals) for the lead role, and the biggest pay-cheque. Can he keep the peace? Who will take the star billing? Will Frank’s sanity remin intact?
Mozart was part-way through composing The Marriage of Figaro when he was ordered to create this one act comedy by Joseph II. The Emporer was hosting an elaborate party for visiting dignitaries and wanted to stage a competition between a singspiel and an Italian opera for the after-dinner entertainment. Mozart was commissioned to create the former and thus Der Schauspieldirektor (The Impresario) was first performed on 7 February 1786 in the grand orangery of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The work was up against the composer Salieri’s one-act opera Prima la musica, poi le parole.
‘This production brings fresh energy to Mozart’s witty opera. Director Christopher Gillet has created a version that is fun and playful and that blends sharp comedy with Mozart’s brilliant music.’ Adrian Kelly, BIF’s Artistic Director.
Music by W A Mozart, libretto by J G Stephanie. Sung in German and Italian with English surtitles.
CREATIVE TEAM
Christopher Gillett Director
Bretta Gerecke Designer (Set and Lighting)
Adam McDonagh Repetiteur
Running time: 90 minutes, with no interval.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Public booking opens at 10am on Tuesday 15 April 2025
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