The 2013-2014 season of Toronto’s Voicebox/Opera in Concert showcases some ‘rarities of performance’ and features Gloriana by Benjamin Britten.
The one-time concert performance at the Jane Mallet Theatre in Toronto is directed by Brock University Dramatic Arts Professor Virginia Reh.
Gloriana was composed for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953 and VOICEBOX’s performance marks the 100Th Anniversary of the Composer’s birth.
Queen Elizabeth I is approaching the end of her reign. Her affection for the impressive Earl of Essex is tested when he grows increasingly ambitious. Should she listen to the guidance of her advisors or be swayed by emotion? Moving from the pomp of state ceremony to the intimacy of the Queen’s private rooms, Gloriana depicts the public and private faces of the Virgin Queen, and the deterioration of her relationship with the impulsive Earl of Essex.
The opera features 15 soloists. In this concert production 10 of the soloists will be coming out of the chorus. The production is in memory of Reh’s friend Stephen Ireland who passed away last October from complications arising from prostate cancer. The production is sponsored by his foundation.
Professor Reh will be directing the next mainstage production of the Department of Dramatic Arts, Jehanne of the Witches, opening February 13, 2014.
BENJAMIN BRITTEN
GLORIANA
Sunday, November 24, 2013 — 2:30pm
IN english
Jane Mallett Theatre (at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts) Sunday, November 24 @2:30 p.m.
Featuring
Peter Tiefenbach, Music Director and Pianist
Virginia Reh, Dramatic Advisor
Robert Cooper, Chorus Director
Betty Waynne Allison as Queen Elizabeth I
Jennifer Sullivan as Penelope (Lady Rich)
Adam Luther as Lord of Essex
Dion Mazerrole as Cecil
Jesse Clark as Lord Mountjoy
Christina Campsall as Countess of Essex
Marco Petracchi as Sir Walter Raleigh
Domenico Sanfilippo as Henry Cuffe
Fabian Arciniegas as The Recorder of Norwich
Joshua Wales as The Spirit of the Masque
Keenan Viau as The Master of Ceremonies
Gregory Finney as Old Man
Lise Maher as Page
Jessika Monea as Lady in Waiting