World class opera at Empire

Oct 17 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

A TRIO of operas from an award winning, world-class opera company comes to Liverpool’s Empire Theatre next week.

Welsh National Opera unveils a new production of Verdi’s riveting masterpiece Otello with a cast headed by Dennis O’Neill and Amanda Roocroft.

There is also the opportunity to see revivals of two contrasting, but unmissable productions of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Janácek’s Jenufa – with Liverpool’s Susan Bickley among the cast.

Otello is regarded as the highlight of Italian opera. It tells the story of downfall of the noble Moorish General Otello who loses everything he loves, including his sanity, through the ambition and driving envy of his lieutenant Iago.

Verdi Medal winner Dennis O’Neill sings the role of Otello, whilst David Kempster brings vividly to life the scheming villain who destroys his world. Amanda Roocroft, who sung in WNO’s Madam Butterfly, is Desdemona.

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville is a perfect foil for Otello, a comic Italian opera built around the problem solving antics of mischievous town barber Figaro.

American baritone John Moore makes his UK debut in the title role. The cast also includes Colin Lee, Welsh singer Laura Parfitt, who makes her debut as Rosina, and Eric Roberts, who returns to repeat his role as the curmudgeonly Bartolo.

Susan Bickley last sung with WNO in Katie Mitchell’s production of Handel’s Jephtha in 2006. She returns to sing in a revival of Mitchell’s groundbreaking production of Jenufa, a heart-rending, but life-affirming experience that won outstanding reviews when it was first staged.

Tickets can be booked via Ticketmaster 0844 847 2525 (subject to booking fee). They range in price from £10-£37.

Welsh National Opera will be at the Liverpool Empire from October 21-25.