A PERFORMANCE group based in Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre is bringing a Verdi opera to Wokingham.
Park Opera promises that their production of A Masked Ball will be an evening of glorious music, spectacle, and emotion.
Directed by Sallie Ward, and with musical direction from Brian Chapman, Verdi’s story follows the destiny of Gustavus, the King of Sweden, in love with the wife of his dearest friend.
The gallant king is threatened by a band of sinister, and darkly comic, conspirators.
His friend is always there to guard him from danger, until he discovers the king alone at midnight with his wife.
Friends become bitter enemies, until all is resolved in an explosive finale, during a masked ball.
Director Sallie Ward said: “It’s absolutely full of lovely tunes, and the production is going to be visually very appealing, with numerous colourful costumes.
“Verdi’s operas always seem to end with a death but this one is definitely not a tragedy,” she added.
“Our King Gustavus is a cheerful nobleman, played by superb tenor Philp Hayes.”
“And Wokingham resident Mark Wiliams is playing sailor Christian.
“He’s a lovely singer, who also happens to be an arboreal surgeon.
“He spends most of his time up trees, but manages to find time to come down and sing with us from time to time.”
This is Park Opera’s first production at the Whitty Theatre.
“We’re very much looking forward to performing in this wonderful, comfortable venue,” Ms Ward added.
“And theatre manager Oliver Bamber says that they are just as excited to be hosting their first full scale grand opera.
“We have an orchestra of 12 performing the score, a chorus of around 30 singers, and our principals too.
“The stage will be filled with colour, music, and light.”
The semi professional music group produces a fully-staged grand opera in English once a year in the Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, with professional musicians and full period costumes.
They provide a platform for young singers at the start of their professional careers to build their repertoire alongside more experienced vocalists, while members of the chorus are drawn from local amateur groups.
Park Opera describes itself as a fun, friendly and talented group that aims to bring opera to the local community in an accessible manner.
A Masked Ball will be performed at Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre on Tuesday, October 24, Wednesday, October 25, Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28.
Tickets cost £18 for adults, and £9 for children, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
They cost £20 for adults, and £10 for children, on Friday and Saturday.
Doors open at 7.30pm.
Parking is available, and refreshments will be served in the interval.
To purchase tickets, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/parkopera email: tickets@parkopera.org.uk or call: 01344 451109
For more information, visit: www.parkopera.org.uk
