English Touring Opera Returns to the Lyceum Theatre in April

English Touring Opera (ETO), the UK's leading touring opera company, returns to the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield from Monday 8 - Tuesday 9 April with two new productions from its spring 2013 season; Mozart's Così fan tutte and Verdi's Simon Boccanegra.

The season focuses on storytelling through beautiful singing, costume and sets and with a full orchestra.

In many ways Mozart's most perfect opera, Così fan tutte is a touching comedy about unfaithfulness, desire and love. In one day fiancés are parted, and new fiancés found - or so it seems. Discovering they are not the people they thought they were is strange, exciting, and very embarrassing.

This new period production, directed by Paul Higgins and conducted by James Burton, is sung in English by a remarkable cast, including Laura Mitchell, Kitty Whately (Rosina in ETO's The Barber of Seville in Spring 2012) and Paula Sides. Complete with stylish period costume and an elegant, pastoral set, this opera offers the classic opera experience; glamorous, funny and entertaining.

One of Verdi's greatest operas, Simon Boccanegra has a score inspired by the sea. It is the master's most intimate opera, revised with care at the end of his life and calls for the largest company ETO has fielded to date, in its first new Verdi production for several years.

Directed James Conway, General Director, ETO, and conducted by Michael Rosewell, the outstanding cast features Craig Smith in the title role, Keel Watson as his father in law Fiesco and rising star Elizabeth Llewellyn singing Amelia. ETO's production is sung in Italian with English surtitles, with designs inspired by the Anni di piombo or 'Years of Lead'- a period of political turmoil in Italy in the 1960s and 1970s.

James Conway said: 'Our plans in 2013 are very ambitious, but we have prepared for them for some time. In terms of imagery there is a theme running through them of people in cities governed by the sea; mostly, though, our season reflects the diversity and richness of opera.'

Tickets for both operas are on sale now from Sheffield Theatres' Box Office, priced £19.00 - £28.00. Call 0114 249 6000 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk to book.

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