Romeo et Juliette

Audience Today (28Jun05): BRITISH YOUTH OPERA British Youth Opera was founded in 1987 by Denis Coe to help young singers and instrumentalists gain experience by rehearsing and performing a full scale opera production. Over the years it has gained the respect and support of the major British opera companies and music colleges and 2005 sees the company’s nineteenth Summer Season. Since 1987 a steady stream of the UK’s most outstanding emerging artists have launched their career at BYO. Accompanied by the Southbank Sinfonia, the BYO 2005 Summer Season promises excellent singing and exciting productions: This season’s operas tell timeless tales of friendship, loyalty, love and loss, and the tragic consequences that unfold. Charles-François Gounod’s masterpiece Roméo et Juliette, based on Shakespeare’s play, is sure to enchant you with lyrical and dramatic music, while the charm of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Così fan tutte is perfectly embodied by the young singers - who better to portray the first pangs of love, betrayal and infidelity? Judging by the level of their pre-season concert on 27th June there should be a high standard at their September performances. Anna Leese a young talent from New Zealand seems set for a good career in opera, don’t miss her Juliette. Gavin Roebuck, Editor Audience Today