An Opera Zuid Production in collaboration with Buxton International Festival, featuring the Buxton International Festival Orchestra.
It’s 1800 and Leo – a down-on-his-luck impresario, Mozart fan, and comfort eater of little Dutch pancakes – has been tasked with putting on an opera. It should be easy. But what will the opera be and who will star in it? Meanwhile, there’s a jump-in singer from Bucharest, a tenor who’s trying to seduce the soprano, warring divas, and a director with an idiotic concept. It could all be happening in the present day – and, as it turns out, much of it is.
Mozart was part-way through composing The Marriage of Figaro when he was ordered to create this one act comedy by Joseph II. The Emperor 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 Gillett 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. Spoken text, in English, by Christopher Gillett. Sung in German and Italian with English surtitles.
CREATIVE TEAM
Christopher Gillett Director
Bretta Gerecke Designer (Set and Lighting)
Leo van den Boorn Costume Designer
Joep Hupperetz Dramaturg
Adam McDonagh Repetiteur
Running time: 90 minutes, with no interval.
Public booking opens at 10am on Tuesday 15 April 2025
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