By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.
Verdi took inspiration from Shakespeare several times with three of his greatest operas based on his work. His first adaptation was Macbeth which offered a wealth of opportunities to the Italian composer, including two great central characters and scope for chorus scenes involving witches (a full Ladies’ chorus singing in three parts), courtiers, refugees, and soldiers.
These wonderful components all made the opera Macbeth a favourite choice for York Opera, as their York Theatre Royal production this Autumn. Sung in English, Macbeth stays true to the original play, complete with witches, ghosts, cut-throats and the political scheming of the Scottish court.
Central to the opera are the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, considered to be Verdi’s greatest baritone and dramatic soprano roles respectively. The infamous couple will be played by two of York Opera’s most experienced singers: Ian Thomson Smith and Sharon Nicholson Skeggs. Supporting them in the other principal roles will be Adrian Cook as Banquo, Hamish Brown as Macduff, and Jack Storey Hunter as Malcolm.
The stage Director for the production is John Soper – a long- established and accomplished member of York Opera who has also designed the sets, which are currently being constructed by members of the group. Wielding the baton in the pit will be Derek Chivers, a regular Musical Director for the company.
York Theatre Royal 10 -14 Oct
Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
