English Touring Opera

[Steerpike]

I saw ETO's opening night of Simon Boccanegra last night at the Hackney Empire. As their name suggests, they're touring it around and I recommend it very highly.

Excellent singing (in Italian but sur-, actually side-, titled) and playing - even good acting. Wonderful to see an opera which has been rehearsed not just adequately but meticulously. First night it may have been but you couldn't know it - all utterly confident. Of course there are losses in not hearing the greatest voices who have flown in to do their next Boccanegra, Amelia, Adorno or whoever but I found more than adequate compensation in very good voices as part of great team work. For me (and judging by the reception for the rest of the audience) the operatic alchemy worked and I was back with the excitement and the love of opera. They're also doing Cosi and a rare Donizetti which I've decided to catch later in their tour.

So highly recommended and given this is a very positive review perhaps I should say that I've no connection with ETO nor anyone in it, nor am I Verdi.

Steerpike

[aeolium]

I've often been impressed by ETO's productions, Steerpike, and always try to get to at least one when they are down this way. As you say, their strength is in how they work as an ensemble - there are no particular stars. They also frequently bring less familiar operas on tour which in these dark times is to their great credit.

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

I'm pleased that Steerpike enjoyed the production, but regret I found ETO had overstretched itself in attempting to stage Boccanegra. The highlight was a vocally assured Amelia from Elizabeth Llewellyn - amazing that this was her Verdi debut. A friend also found much more to enjoy than me, so I'm doubtless in the minority.

[Cockney Sparrow]

I thought I really ought to support ETO - and make the date as Saffron Hall is equidistant (in travel time, not miles) to central London.

A well sung (very well sung mostly) production of Radamisto, with quite a good set (with the exception of one scene I found slightly comical - but there you are, they tour, and its the art of the possible). Lots of remaining dates on their tour :

http://englishtouringopera.org.uk/productions/radamisto

My only criticism, is that the acting generally seemed to lack necessary input as to stance and gesture by the characters. Perhaps I'm looking for hackneyed gestures, but, for example, Kings didn't seem to move and hold themselves as I expect a King to do, etc. But that is a minor criticism - its still a very good evening.

[Dave2002]

I only saw one production by ETO - Rigoletto - from the period when David Parry was the director. I enjoyed the production a lot, though it was clearly done with limited resources. I liked the use of the step ladder!

Here is a history of ETO - http://englishtouringopera.org.uk/ab...o/eto-history/

[ardcarp]

...and don't forget ETO's semi-acted Matthew Passions which are part of the 'tour'.