
Rattle will be joined by the London
Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the latter directed by Simon Halsey. The
eight-strong cast promises to be stellar. Among others, bass-baritone Pavlo
Hunka will share the stage with tenor Peter Hoare, mezzo Ronnita Miller and
countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo.
Based on Michel de Ghelderode’s 1934 play, Le Grand Macabre takes audiences into a
hellish world of grotesques and madness inspired by Brueghal’s paintings. It
centres around the diabolic prince Nekrotzar and his plans to cause the
apocalypse. With only drunks and bawds standing in his way, how can he possibly
fail?
Ligeti’s only opera is a bundle of contradictions
that nevertheless cohere to create an entirely coherent world. As the plot
hurdles from operatic grace to complete pandemonium, the music follows,
alternating lyricism with burlesque. At this relatively advanced point in his
career, Ligeti developed a spritely and eclectic style that encompasses sounds
previously unheard of in the classical realm – the opera even opens with a
choir of car horns. But don’t let this put you off – Le Grand Macabre’s sense of fun makes it accessible for even opera
sceptics. And in the proven hands of Rattle and Sellars, it is likely to be
spectacular.
Tickets
for the Barbican Centre’s 2016-17 season open to the general public at 10am on
10 Feb. Members booking opens at the same time on 3 Feb, while Members Plus can
purchase from 1 Feb.
What | Le Grand Macabre, Barbican Centre |
Where | Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS | MAP |
Nearest tube | Barbican (underground) |
When |
14 Jan 17 – 15 Jan 17, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Price | £25-75 |
Website | Click here to book via the Barbican website |