Featured image: Robin Clewley
Die Fledermaus is one of the most famous operas in history. What’s a better way to celebrate 50 years of the RNCM than with a few surprises along the way.
Die Fledermaus, composed by Johann Strauss II encompasses everything expected of a traditional operetta with a range of music and dialogue that allows the comedy of the story to shine through. It premiered in Vienna in 1874 and is musically high spirited with waltz and polka scenes.
Now transfer everything known about this traditional operetta to the eve of the millennium in 1999. For a 50th Anniversary celebration, the RNCM have subverted the traditional style and setting to create a party atmosphere, just in time to celebrate Christmas.
The Royal Northern College of Music, neighbour of Manchester Metropolitan University, is internationally known for its innovative approach to teaching the next generation of aspiring artists and this production of Die Fledermaus is no different.
“Being in an opera is an essential part of students’ training at RNCM,” says Chorus master, Kevin Thraves. “Lots of people are involved: a chorus of 47, 20 principal roles and 45 in the orchestra. I knew by choosing this production, a massive quantity of students would be included.”
This production is also double cast for all principal roles. A traditional production of Die Fledermaus only has 10 principal roles, but this is RNCM’s way of maximising the number of students who can receive the principal opportunity. As well as a strong front of over 100 students, there are many backstage staff, all working to bring this production together for December.
Designer, Yannis Thavoris and Director, Stephen Barlow have chosen to transport the story from a traditional Viennese ballroom to the ship deck of a cruise liner, as passengers wait to ring in the new millenium. “The Designer and Director wanted to update the setting to make it more interesting,” adds Thraves.
While the RNCM retains some of the operetta’s traditional features and format, the production will be in English and strives to be more interesting and entertaining to audience members who come to watch. It promises to be accessible, colourful and witty to everyone.
“It’s a spectacle,” says Greg Skipworth, Stage Manager. For any first time opera goers, this is a very good way to begin, with a mixture of musical and opera components that will ensure a tuneful night out.
The Arts Council’s decision to cut all funding for English National Opera just last week, has created uncertainty in the English community of opera. Could the days of traditional opera be numbered and are new and innovative approaches needed for it to survive?
Die Fledermaus is showing at the Royal Northern College of Music on Oxford Road, Manchester from 10 – 17 December, 2022.
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Sunday may signal the final day of Truck Festival 2026, but there’s still plenty to celebrate before the gates close for another year. From rising indie stars Keyside to the long-awaited return of Rizzle Kicks, festival favourites Circa Waves and headliners The Wombats, these are the performances that define…
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker It’s Saturday at Truck Festival 2026 and, somehow, the sunshine is still holding out. The weekend’s biggest day is packed with indie heavyweights as The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs and Two Door Cinema Club deliver the soundtrack to a generation. In between the nostalgia, Adult DVD provide the perfect excuse…
Featured image: Lucy Elson-Whittaker After CMAT’s unforgettable set on Thursday, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Truck Festival 2026 had already peaked. But with the weekend only just getting into its stride, there’s still plenty more to come. Friday is packed with a lot of artists worth catching, from The Love Buzz and My First…
Featured image: Press The gates have finally opened for Truck Festival 2026, and for the third-year running, the weather could not be more perfect. Beneath clear blue skies at Hill Farm, Oxfordshire, the iconic Ferris wheel is spinning once again, the Truck Monster is roaming the fields, and thousands of festival-goers waste no time filling…
Leave a reply