OperaUpClose and Manchester Camerata – The Flying Dutchman
OperaUpClose is delighted to announce that we will be developing our new English language production of Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman with the brilliant Manchester Camerata, ‘Britain’s most adventurous orchestra’ (The Times).
Through a process of extensive Research and Development workshops, beginning in July 2021 at the home of Manchester Camerata (The Monastery, Manchester), this Dutchman will be radically re-imagined for four singers and an 8-piece chamber ensemble by composer Laura Bowler and librettist, novelist and poet Glyn Maxwell for a UK tour.
This exciting partnership between OperaUpClose and Manchester Camerata will combine the two organisations’ expertise and creativity to distil the essence of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman into a new narrative and sound world with its own artistic integrity and identity. Working together, we aim to create a new work which pushes the boundaries of opera, speaking to contemporary experiences through a centuries-old myth and a 19th century masterpiece, enabling audiences to discover this extraordinary piece for the first time or to experience it anew. This is an ideal partnership between OperaUpClose and Manchester Camerata as organisationally we each put innovation at heart of everything we do and have a long history of redefining our craft.
About Manchester Camerata
★★★★★ ‘It doesn’t get much better than this’ (The Independent)
Manchester Camerata is a registered charity, working and performing in Manchester and worldwide since 1972.
With 5-star reviews from The Independent, and the accolade of ‘Britain’s most adventurous orchestra’ (The Times), Camerata has a reputation for doing things differently – be that opening Glastonbury Festival with an orchestral rave, touring and recording Mozart or making profound impact for people living with dementia. Camerata believe in the transformative and connecting nature of music. That connection drives them, and they work with the best creative talent to make this happen.
Camerata’s inspiration stems from the visionary mindset of Music Director Gábor Takács-Nagy, who believes passionately that ‘music is spiritual medicine’. His extraordinary musicianship drives the development of their craft and nurtures the artistic and human qualities of Camerata’s musicians, which in turn gives the whole organisation courage to innovate beyond an orchestra’s normal limits. It is these qualities combined which create powerful emotional connections, which makes life better. This approach has led them to collaborate with diverse international artists, from New Order to Martha Argerich to Aziz Ibrahim to Lewis Capaldi.
Empowering people to make positive change in their lives is the focus for Camerata’s award-winning community programme. From a child or a teacher in school to a frontline care worker or a person living with dementia, it’s about the difference they can make in society through music. All activity is informed by research and fully evaluated, so they can articulate their impact. A social impact plan for Greater Manchester will see the number and diversity of people we reach increase, and that work begins in their new home - The Monastery in Gorton.
Over the past 10 years, they have developed a music therapy programme for people with dementia and their carers in partnership with the University of Manchester, a leading global dementia research centre. University research shapes the development of Camerata’s programme, which is now in demand across Asia and Europe, and has established us as a sector-leader in this field.
As Manchester Camerata approach their 50th anniversary in 2022, they invite you to share these moments with them.
https://manchestercamerata.co.uk/
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About OperaUpClose
OperaUpClose is an ambitious, inclusive award-winning touring opera company developing a distinct stream of work within the industry. We produce newly orchestrated, innovatively staged, unintimidating and affordable English language re-imaginings of classics, as well as premieres of new work, refreshing the operatic canon for new audiences nationwide, and diversifying both those who make opera and those who watch it. Our productions encompass people of all genders, ethnicities, backgrounds and economic means as part of the audience, as performers, and behind the scenes.
Since 2009, we have produced over 30 operas with new English versions and orchestrations. We have the greatest geographical reach nationally of any UK opera company, visiting over 50 venues across the UK each year, and have an excellent track record of bringing opera to venues for the first time and then developing a long-term audience. Working on a smaller scale than other national opera companies is an active artistic choice for OperaUpClose, giving an opportunity for a more immersive experience and encouraging audiences to approach opera from a new perspective.
Throughout 2020 and Spring 2021 OUC provided high quality online content with our ‘At Home’ programme including scenes and interactive workshops from our opera for Early Years, Peace At Last; a newly commissioned online opera for 7-10 year olds Sammy and the Beanstalk; and our acclaimed Coffee Break Concert Series.
‘An online offering occasionally stands out and communicates against the odds. OperaUpClose’s latest online ‘Coffee Break Concerts’… do just that’ - Opera magazine
★★★★ ‘Another enjoyable bitesize show, sharing hope and creativity online as we inch towards the return of live theatre’ - A Younger Theatre
★★★★ ‘Stylishly done... leaves you wanting more’ - The Arts Desk