The original story of Romeo and Juliet was not only the starting point for Shakespeare, but also for Bellini, who set his I Capuleti e i Montecchi (the Capulets and the Montagues) to gloriously romantic music.
 Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly makes her debut with Opera North in this new production – 'She is unrivalled: simply the best, most exciting, most galvanising performer we have today' (The Independent).
I Capuleti e i Montecchi is supported by The Friends of Opera North.
THE STORY
Caught up in a conflict between rival political factions, the young lovers Romeo and Giulietta struggle for the freedom to love. With the help of the sympathetic Doctor Lorenzo they plan for a life together. But is their love strong enough to overcome generations of bitter hatred and violence?
THE music
Bellini was one of the four great masters of Italian Romantic opera, alongside Rossini, Donizetti and Verdi. The music is hugely atmospheric, overflowing with passion and emotion. Bellini’s style is bel canto (beautiful singing), and he chose a female voice for Romeo as well as Giulietta to achieve a moving expression of young love.
 Sarah Connolly ‘acts male with easy authority’ (Daily Telegraph) and in the words of Director Orpha Phelan (pictured left), ‘the blend of the two women’s voices becoming one is just to die for.’
DIRECTOR ORPHA PHELAN'S HIGHLIGHTS
‘The tomb scene at the end without a doubt. There’s a particular moment, when Romeo sings ‘Your soul, which is ascending to heaven, come back, come back to me and take me with you’. It’s a very, very touching moment.
And later in the scene when Giulietta has woken and Romeo is dying in her arms, she asks him to stay, to think only of their love. Bellini captures perfectly that very fragile moment in someone’s life when they’re losing somebody close to them. What can’t be put into words can be expressed in music. It’s why we do opera.’ |
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Send & Win
Send this e-flier to a friend and you could win a one night stay for two at The Ellington, Leeds' newest boutique hotel, in an Executive room with Yorkshire breakfast the following morning.
» Prize Information
The Ellington, a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, is a new build luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of the city and close to ‘The Knightsbridge of the North’. The hotel offers contemporary style and elegant design, and combines a vibrant atmosphere with an intimate feel. A signature restaurant overseen by Albert Roux, with Robert Bates as the Executive Chef offers an exclusive dining experience in stylish surroundings. The elegant bar epitomises the style of the hotel, with a piano offering occasional live music. For more information please visit www.pantinhotels.com.
» Free Prize Draw Terms & Conditions
No purchase necessary. Closing date for entries 22.11.2008. The draw is not open to employees of Opera North, its agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. The promoter can accept no responsibility for entries lost, delayed or damaged by email, proof of email sending is not proof of receipt. One winner will be selected at random after the closing date, and receive a one night stay for two people at The Ellington in an Executive room with Yorkshire breakfast the following morning. Any other expenditure incurred during the stay is due to be settled on departure. A letter will be sent to the winner which needs to be presented at check in. The prize is subject to availability and valid until 31st March 2009. There is no cash alternative and negotiations will not be entered into. In the event of circumstances out of Opera North's control this prize may be substituted for a prize of equal or greater value. The draw will be independently supervised and the winner will be emailed within 28 days of the draw close date. The name and county of the winner will be available by sending a SAE to the draw address 28 days after the close date. Winners may be required to participate in publicity as a result of winning the prize. Promoter: Opera North, Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds. LS1 6NU.
Gallery
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Reviews
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DATES
LEEDS GRAND THEATRE
21, 24, 27, 30 Oct, 1 Nov
£10 to £58 |
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0844 848 2720 |
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THE LOWRY, SALFORD QUAYS
5, 8 Nov
£14 to £51.50 |
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0870 787 5790 |
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THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE
12, 15 Nov
£14.50 to £54.50 |
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0844 811 2121 |
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THEATRE ROYAL, NOTTINGHAM
19, 22 Nov
£14.50 to £54 |
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0115 989 5555 |
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All performances start at 7.15pm
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