Innovation

Needing something suitable to celebrate Britten’s 100th birthday I decided to go and see the National Ballet’s new show Innovation which premiered last night and included a piece set to the Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes.  A Pergolesi Stabat Mater with Emma Kirkby and Daniel Taylor was a considerable additional attraction.  I’m not a dance expert so take any comments on that subject that follow as the impressions of a complete non-expert.

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Maria’s Carmen

In 1989 entrepreneur Harvey Goldsmith followed up his Aida of the previous year with a spectacular production of Bizet’s Carmen in the amphitheatre at Earl’s Court.  This is a sports stadium like venue that seats 19,000 and a cast of 400 or so singers, dancers and supers was employed.  The production was revived in 1999 when It was broadcast by Tyne-Tees Television and has been available on DVD ever since.  Continue reading