Cavalleria Rusticana, Blackheath Halls Opera

A highlight in the Culture Whisper music diary is the annual production by Blackheath Halls Opera. With professional artists and community performers, the company works on a large scale and breathes new life into classics with its inimitable energy, imaginative direction and stylish designs.

This year the opera is Pietro Mascagni's searing small-town drama of love and betrayal. Set at Easter and famous for its Easter Hymn sung by the chorus in grand procession, this passionate tale is a musical masterpiece loved since its first performance in 1890.

The team behind the company's string of recent successes returns: director Harry Fehr and musical director Chris Stark, with Blackheath Halls Chorus, Orchestra and Youth Opera Company joined by pupils from local schools.

Idunnu Münch sings Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana at Blackheath Halls Opera

Soprano Katherine Broderick sings Santuzza, in love with and pregnant by the unreliable Turiddu (Oliver Johnston). Mezzo-soprano Idunnu Münch is Turiddu's former girlfriend Lola, now married to Alfio (Michel de Souza). Janis Kelly sings Lucia, Turiddu's despairing mother.

Blackheath Halls Opera calls on an exceptionally wide range of talent, making its productions distinctive and memorable. Audiences leave not only with music in their ears, but with hearts lifted.

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Cavalleria Rusticana is sung in English, with surtitles. Performances are on 23, 24, 25 and 27 Sept (7:30PM) and on 28, 29 Sept (4PM). Click here to book