The Glyndebourne Tour Brings World-Class Opera to the Marlowe Tonight

World-class opera returns to Canterbury next month. The Glyndebourne Tour 2015 brings three productions to The Marlowe Theatre, two of which transfer straight from the 2015 Glyndebourne Festival where they premiered this summer.

Starting the week is a revival of an opulent period staging of Donizetti's DON PASQUALE; an acclaimed production described by The Stage in 2013 as "Glyndebourne at its best."

An elegant new production of Mozart's DIE ENTFÜHRUNG AUS DEM SERAIL will follow straight from Festival 2015. Among the cast is the up-and-coming American tenor Benjamin Bliss, currently a member of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at The Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Also transferring from the 2015 Festival is a new production of Handel's oratorio SAUL, which tells the well-known Biblical tale of the first King of Israel's love and loathing for his eventual successor, David. Directed by the brilliant, provocative Australian director Barrie Kosky, it features Henry Waddington in the title role opposite the South African countertenor Christopher Ainslie as David.

All three productions have a central role for the Glyndebourne Chorus, an ensemble with a well-earned reputation for showcasing the soloists of tomorrow. Previous Glyndebourne Chorus members include such familiar names as Gerald Finley, Sarah Connolly and John Tomlinson.

David Pickard, General Director at Glyndebourne, said: "Glyndebourne Tour was founded in 1968 to give more people a chance to see our world-class productions and to provide a platform for some of the opera world's most talented young singers. This year alongside an international cast of up and coming soloists, the Glyndebourne Chorus take a central role in all three productions providing rich opportunities for audiences across the country to watch the stars of tomorrow. It's a diverse season which I hope will offer much to enjoy for audiences of all musical and theatrical tastes."

The Glyndebourne Tour 2015 is at The Marlowe Theatre from tonight 3 to Saturday 7 November (7.30pm, except Thursday when there is a 2pm matinee). A limited number of tickets, priced from £29 to £61 (concessions available; booking fees apply), are available from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or marlowetheatre.com.

Photo Credit: Bill Cooper