ISSUE FIFTEEN / AUTUMN 2023
OVERTURE THE NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF BUXTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
DEAR FRIENDS A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
This year’s Festival felt like a step forward to me. We opened with well-attended premieres in the Opera House and followed them on the opening Monday of the Festival (henceforth to be known as “Super Monday”) with sold-out concerts by Nicola Benedetti and Wynton Marsalis. In fact, numerous events sold out during the entirety of the Festival and this added a real buzz to proceedings.
experiencing something of a renaissance. I look forward to introducing the cast for some these operas in the Spring Newsletter. The music series will begin with the completion of pianist Paul Lewis’ four-concert Schubert series. Those who were at concerts one and two this summer can testify to the brilliance of this extraordinary pianist. The music series will feature an array of brilliant performers, both established and emerging artists.
Vicky and Neil delivered wonderfully rich and varied programmes of books and jazz Over the next few weeks, I will be auditioning for respectively. I was particularly pleased to receive next summer’s chorus and YAPs (members of our positive feedback about the classical music Young Artists Programme) with series. Putting together these the Festival’s Head of Music, programmes is satisfying and I have seldom heard so Iwan Davies. It is always a joy challenging in equal measure, much spontaneous laughter to be able to welcome chorus but I derive huge pleasure in from a Festival audience, singers back to Buxton as well seeing audiences rapt in silent and this owed much to as to discover the new talent appreciation of concerts in St Harry Fehr’s witty and at the RNCM and the Royal John’s Church. entertaining production. Birmingham Conservatoire. Our YAPs very often go on to Meanwhile in the Opera House, become chorus members and many of those then there were plenty of tears shed during The Land proceed to become soloists in their own right. of Might-Have-Been. There is always some Being able to support singers in the early stages trepidation when mounting a new piece, but of their professional careers is one of the aspects it became clear that many audience members of my job which I enjoy the most. were deeply moved by what they saw and heard. Meanwhile, I very much enjoyed conducting La Another aspect which I look forward to is meeting sonnambula with a vibrant cast and chorus on Friends of the Festival each year. Many of you stage. I must say, I have seldom heard so much have been attending the Festival for a number of spontaneous laughter from a Festival audience, years, and I am always delighted to hear about and this owed much to Harry Fehr’s witty and events you have particularly enjoyed as well entertaining production. as recollections from previous editions of the Festival. The Festival is constantly evolving and Planning for the 2024 Festival is now in full flow. looking forward. And I am looking forward to Our opera season will feature music by some 2024 already. of the best-known composers of the genre, Handel, Haydn, Verdi and Bizet and also a work Adrian Kelly by Dame Ethel Smyth, whose music is currently
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STARTING IN STYLE
Buxton International Festival 2023 started in style! The red carpet was rolled out for the world premiere of our new musical, for the opening nights of our operas and for the musical royalty that is Nicola Benedetti and Wynton Marsalis. The atmosphere outside the Opera House was buzzing with chat and live music and we indulged in delicious canapés, provided by our friends at the Green Pavilion Café in Buxton. Thank you to everyone involved for making it such a special opening weekend.
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2023 IN NUMBERS
2,146 Friends of BIF
29,000 Tickets sold 4
350
Musicians and singers engaged
150 Events
67
Volunteers
50 Speakers
7
Venues
3
Unique in-house productions
7
Interns
5
Red carpet events
1
Pop-up
Waterstones
book shop
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WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
LA SONNAMBULA ‘Succeeds on every level. Profoundly moving and, at times, extremely funny. Buxton Festival Chorus and Northern Chamber Orchestra are on top form’ The Stage ‘Smartly drilled and surprisingly funny production. An eye opening reinvention of Bellini. It works.’ ‘Soprano Ziyi Dai’s UK debut is an impressive calling card.’ The Times ‘The direction, using a valid concept with great care for the music, singing and libretto, triumphs.’ Opera Scene
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA ‘So good I’m going a second time.’ ‘Buxton has once again distinguished itself as able to produce performances of the highest international standards.’ ‘Fantastic quirky production.’
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‘This was awesome and then some!! The ensemble was stunning, the lead was just mind blowingly good. As for the plot… Loved it so much. Our town is so lucky.’
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‘Fantastic performance! I loved every minute of it, but especially the ending. It made my day!’
WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
THE LAND OF MIGHT-HAVE-BEEN ‘As a new musical, this truly is a remarkable piece of theatre, which will see you transformed to another time, will make you laugh and cry, but overall will leave you with a feeling of hope’. West End Best Friend. ‘Kimberley Sykes’ production works wonders and Iain Farrington’s score is irresistible’ The Arts Desk
‘This effective show deftly weaves together Brittain’s feminist memoir and Novello’s sentimental songs…well produced choreography lends charm and style.’ The Guardian ‘The energy of ragtime and plenty of humour, The Land of Might-Have-Been is a winning mix. The audience loved it’ Sheffield Star
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA ‘Beautiful storytelling against a background of the most glorious music and vocals. A very moving experience… ’ ‘It was wonderful. I went through so many emotions. Thank you’
‘It was absolutely superb’ This musical was incredible, all the actors were amazing and I was left a mess (in tears) by the end lol. Wish I could watch and listen to it over and over again!
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WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
IL RE PASTORE ‘The Festival’s new staging of Mozart’s Il re pastore is in another class…amid a loveable cast, [Katie] Coventry and [Ellie] Neate stood out for their tenderness and clarity of singing’ The Spectator ‘Buxton assembles a cast that is up to the high vocal level required …the Northern Chamber Orchestra plays with delicacy and vitality’ The Stage ‘Jack Furness’ production rightly treats it with lightness of touch and so too did the Northern Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Adrian Kelly, playing with precision and sprightly tone throughout’ Bachtrach ‘Delivered with passion and resource…Adrian Kelly again providing rich resource and excellent direction from the pit’ The Arts Desk
WHAT YOU SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA ‘A really good show, thoroughly enjoyed it’
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‘Fab show, excellent young singers, congrats to all concerned ’
SCENES FROM A MUSICAL This year saw the revival of BIF’s ‘Scenes From’ series, with a production of The Land of MightHave-Been with a difference. Understudies took on the main roles, singing alongside a fabulous ensemble of 30 children from local Buxton schools. Afterwards, the 8 to 10-year olds were asked a few questions about the performance. Here’s what they had to say: How did you feel being part of this project, working with professional musicians and artists? I felt proud to represent the school. Most schools don’t get to do this. Nervous working in front of proper singers and actors. Once we were near to the end, I felt accomplished. It gave me confidence. I can say ‘I did this…when I was young’. What do you think it was about? What were the messages from it? It was telling a story about someone who has faced tragedy. It opens kids’ eyes. Life is not just rainbows and flowers. Life is like that – it’s got uphills and downhills. I learned about the war. About saying goodbye, about sadness, dirtiness, tragedy.
What else did you learn? About Vera Brittain. She was from Buxton. It’s good to know about her life and learn about her. Knowledge about the past. We can take the message that they, Vera, Roland, Edward sent us in the past, to use in the future. What do you think that message is? You should do what you want and be what you want. But they had it taken away. That women can be leaders. It opens us up to different relationships. Being gay, or trans or bisexual was a crime in that day. War isn’t about all that Winston Churchill stuff. There’s more to it. It’s not about the heroes of the war, but this was the people who suffered. Any other messages? Thank you for the opportunity. Can we please do it again? The project was run by Platform 3, the community outreach programme BIF runs in conjunction with Buxton Opera House. Their other projects include Kaleidoscope Community Choir, after school singing and drama clubs, an adult readers group, a Young Company and technical youth theatre courses to name a few!
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE FRIENDS OF BIF en-le-Frith for drinks, a concert and afternoon As I walked up the red carpet on the opening tea. We have the AGM and recital at the Lee night it felt like the 2023 Buxton International Wood Hotel on Friday 8 March, and plans are Festival was going to be something extra special. afoot to welcome back the ETO and for a jazz and The team did not disappoint – whether it was drinks reception as we move into the Spring – opera, books, music or jazz, the quality and more details soon. variety of the programme shone through. It was a shame that the sun did not do the same, but the The numerous sell-out rain did not seem to put off our performances this year showed loyal and committed audiences. It was a real joy to meet the importance of the Friends Our membership continued to and talk to so many of priority booking period. I hope grow and it was a real joy to you about your Festival that this benefit, along with an meet and talk to so many of you highlights, as well as what acknowledgment of the critical about your Festival highlights, we need to do better. role your membership plays in as well as what we need to do supporting the Festival’s work, better. will persuade you to continue your Friend’s subscription when the renewal We were delighted to welcome the young artists requests arrive in the coming weeks. who performed at the two Friends Day drop-in events in the Assembly Rooms. I am pleased to Best wishes say preparations are already underway to repeat the opportunity for you to hear some of the emerging talent in this informal setting. I’m looking forward to the upcoming Friend’s events. On Saturday 21 October, we invite you all to the delightful Lydgate House near Chapel-
Pete Spriggs Chairman, Friends of BIF
FRIENDS EVENTS A CONCERT AND AFTERNOON TEA AT LYDGATE HOUSE
Saturday 21 October, 2.30pm – 4.30pm Join us for welcome drinks, a recital and afternoon tea presented by brother and sister opera singers Johannes and Helena Moore in the intimate and picturesque setting of Lydgate House, Chapel-en-le-Frith. Featuring songs, arias and duets by Mozart, Donizetti, Ivor Novello and Sondheim, this promises to be a delightful representation of all the operatic delights the Festival offers. Tickets cost £40. To book, visit buxtonfestival.co.uk and click on ‘Friends’ then ‘Friends Events’. Alternatively contact the Festival Team on friends@buxtonfestival. co.uk or telephone 01298 70395. 10
FRIENDS OF BIF GRAND RAFFLE
Saturday 21 October The Friends of BIF 2023 Grand Raffle will be drawn at the Lydgate House event. It’s not too late to buy tickets – simply email jacky.wershbale@buxtonfestival.co.uk, to be in with a chance of winning a cash prize of £2,500, four nights at the Crescent Hotel during BIF 2024 and £1000 worth of BIF 2024 vouchers.
FRIENDS OF BIF AGM
Friday 8 March 2024, 10.30 – 11.30am. All Friends are warmly invited to attend the AGM which takes place at the Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton. Be amongst the first to hear details about the exciting 2024 Festival line up. The event will be followed by a concert - more details coming soon.
SAVE THE DATES Thursday 19 October, Wednesday 25 October and 8 November 2023
GARGOYLES AND GROTESQUES
What cold stoney eyes watch us from our buildings, peeking out, seeing everything, telling nothing! Buxton’s architecture boasts many gargoyles and grotesques and now a cultural consortium called ‘Buxton Our Street’ wants to use them to engage people with the built heritage of the town. They’re inviting people to immortalise a friend or foe in clay form at one of their free workshops. The first one is taking place at the classroom at Pooles Cavern on 25 October. There’s also a talk by local historian Terry Newholm on Thursday 19 October. Visit buxtonourstreet.co.uk/what-s-on for more information.
Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 January 2024
DEEP II
Following the success of the 2020 production, Deep, a play inspired by the myths of mermaids and the flowing waters of Buxton, Buxton Opera House is excited to announce the commission of a brand-new play Deep II. Written by Rob Young and directed by Kitty Randle, it is inspired by local stories from Buxton. A tale about a stranger, love, dreams, books, a community, dogs – everyone has a story to tell. The production will be performed by a community ensemble, aged between 17-100.
March 2024
ILLUMINOS Sunday 12 November 2023, 7.30pm, St John’s Church
REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION Pianist Callum McLachlan performs with the orchestra of Buxton Musical Society in a concert of reflective music featuring Sergei Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem.
Illuminos will be bringing their amazing light and sound magic back to Buxton. This coming winter, see the buildings on Spring Gardens, Burbage, Harpur Hill and Fairfield being lit up. Please visit buxtonourstreet.co.uk for more details. 11
2024 FESTIVAL DATES AND LINE UP ERNANI
Music by Giuseppe Verdi, libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based on the 1830 play Hernani by Victor Hugo. A Buxton International Festival production. Venue: Buxton Opera House Dates: 6, 10, 12, 14, 17 July 2024 (all at 7.15pm except for the 2pm matinee on 14 July) This operatic dramma lirico is one of Verdi’s early masterpieces and although very popular in its day, it is not performed as often as his betterknown works. Set in Renaissance Spain, it explores the consequences of a moral code that values honour above everything else – even life itself. The opera revolves around the bandit Ernani, the implacable grandee De Silva, and Carlo, the Holy Roman emperor in waiting. They are slugging it out for the love of De Silva’s ward, Elvira. But Ernani has also pledged his life to De Silva in exchange for his assistance in rescuing her from Carlo, who has taken her hostage, and the old grandee is soon demanding his oath be taken literally.
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2024 FESTIVAL DATES AND LINE UP IL TRIONFO DEL TEMPO E DEL DISINGANNO
Music by Georg Handel, libretto by Cardinal Benedetto Pamphili A Buxton International Festival and Early Opera Company production Conductor: Christian Curnyn Venue: Buxton Opera House Dates: 7, 11, 15 and 18 July (matinee performances at 2pm on 11 and 18 July) Composed in spring 1707, this oratorio is a landmark in baroque music. It sees Handel at his most confident, combining rousing choruses, beguiling arias, and colourful orchestral writing. In this allegorical narrative Pleasure, Time and Disappointment (or Truth) take on human form to do battle for the soul of Beauty. Vain Beauty initially commits herself to a hedonistic life with the deceitful Pleasure but is eventually persuaded onto a more virtuous and contemplative path. Can she escape her controlling relationship, or will she be trapped in a life of loss, regret, and self-hatred? Adrian Kelly says ‘we continue our collaboration with the UK’s finest baroque conductor, Christian Curnyn, and the awardwinning Early Opera Company. Il trionfo del tempo e del disinganno contains some of Handel’s most inspired music. It lends itself to a staging of great visual beauty.’
LA TRAGEDIE DE CARMEN
(ADAPTED BY PETER BROOK) Music by Georges Bizet, adapted by JeanClaude Carrière, based on the original novella by Prosper Mérimée A Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre production Venue: Buxton Opera House Dates: 5, 9, 13, 16 July 2024 (all at 7.15pm) Peter Brook’s La tragédie de Carmen is an adaptation that includes elements of the Georges Bizet opera as well as the original Prosper Mérimée novella on which Bizet’s opera was based. Brook adapted the script with Jean-Claude Carrière, the original score was adapted for a chamber orchestra by Marius Constant and the show premiered in Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, Paris in November 1981. Carmen is a sizzling seductress, but when you play with fire, you’re going to get burned! Naïve young soldier Don José falls for her, shunning his childhood sweetheart Micaëla in favour of a life of passion and crime with Carmen. But when she abandons him for the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo, jealousy ignites and Don José is pushed to murderous acts. Adrian Kelly says ‘in this intimate chamber opera, Peter Brook re-examines the opera and its complex character from a new perspective. The result is a powerful piece of theatre coloured by Bizet’s music.’
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2024 FESTIVAL DATES AND LINE UP THE BOATSWAIN’S MATE
Music and libretto by Ethel Smyth, based on a story of the same name by W W Jacobs. A Buxton International Festival production Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre The Boatswain’s Mate was written by British composer and suffragette Ethel Smyth in 1913–14. It was her fourth opera and is sometimes claimed as a feminist opera, with speculation that the protagonist is based on Emmeline Pankhurst. The piece centres around a humorous battle of the sexes featuring a feisty and resourceful heroine who outwits her scheming suitor (but perhaps falls for his accomplice—this is left to the speculation of the reader or audience).
LA CANTERINA
Music by Joseph Haydn, adapted by Karl Friberth, based on the intermezzo from Niccolò Piccinni’s opera L’Origille A Buxton International Festival production Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre La canterina is a comedic two-act operetta composed in the 18th century that showcases Haydn’s operatic style; blending wit, charm and melodic invention. The story revolves around the cunning young singer Gasparina, her friend Apollonia and two suitors. The young tricksters are exploiting the men’s affections, and their wealth. When they’re discovered, can they charm their way out of it, and will all be forgiven and forgotten?
CARLOS ACOSTA - ON BEFORE
Venue: Buxton Opera House Dates: 20 & 21 July 2024 (both performances at 7.15pm) We are incredibly excited to announce world-renowned dancer and ballet director Carlos Acosta will be joining us in 2024 with his show On Before. Carlos was trained through the Cuban state ballet system and danced at the Bolshoi when he was just 16. He is now acknowledged globally as one of the finest dancers of his generation. On Before is a homage to Carlos Acosta’s late mother and is the most personal work he has ever created. It embodies his astonishing dance vision and features collaborations with major UK and international dance makers including Russell Maliphant, Kim Brandstrup and Will Tuckett, alongside Carlos’ own choreography. In a framework created by Carlos, On Before tells the story of a doomed relationship between a man and a woman, set to a diverse musical repertoire ranging from Handel to Cuban contemporary composer Omar Puente and culminating in a moving finale featuring a live choir performing Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium. The show sees Carlos Acosta perform as both a soloist and alongside Laura Rodriguez, a founding member of his Cuban dance company, Acosta Danza.
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2024 FESTIVAL DATES AND LINE UP JAZZ WEEKENDER 2024
Dates: 4 – 8 July 2024 BIF’s opening Jazz ‘Weekender’ has been causing ripples on the jazz scene by attracting big name acts like Wynton Marsalis. Now in its third year, we’re delighted to announce that in 2024 we will be headlining the incredible Adrian Cox Clarinet Fantasy. As a performer, Adrian is a leading exponent of the New Orleans clarinet and has an unrivalled feel for the music he plays. His connection with an audience leaves a lasting impression. He continues to tour worldwide with some of the biggest names in jazz. In 2018 he was the clarinet choice, alongside Giacomo Smith, at the Benny Goodman celebrations at The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Adrian touches the other world that all other musicians aspire to
Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music)
Alongside the jazz band The Adrian Cox Clarinet Fantasy features a strong strings section, led by Gabriella Swallow. There’s also some stardust with guest singer Tommy Blaize, who performs every week on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Other highlights for the Jazz Weekender include Ubunye, who were named Best Ensemble of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2023, and Ivor Novello award winner Zoe Rahman. We’ll be celebrating the works of Joni Mitchell with the 7-piece band Hejira; Nearly Dan bring their tour to Buxton, fresh from the Jazz Café London and Concorde 2 in Brighton; and the incredible Ian Shaw makes a welcome return to Buxton, following the launch of his latest album Greek Street Friday. 15
NEW WARDROBE DEPARTMENT We are committed to supporting our environment but recognise this is an ongoing journey. We have measures in place to cut down on our plastics, to separate our waste and increase our recycling, we are assessing our energy suppliers, and the team walk or cycle to work where possible. We also always look to reduce the amount of output going to landfill and have been storing and re-using our props and costumes for a number of years.
The storage of costumes is tricky, with issues surrounding space and conditions. We are therefore pleased to announce we are setting up a new wardrobe department locally in Harpur Hill. The project is being managed by Vicki Smith, who has this report:
Hello, I’m Vicki, I trained as a costume designer at Nottingham Trent university and have been a costume maker for 17 years. Since leaving university I focused on costume and working in the wardrobe departments. Since 2009 I’ve been freelance and have been working all over the country in theatre, at arena tours and in film. Since moving to Buxton, I’ve worked for the Buxton International Festival since 2010, I’ve worked nine festivals over those years for the wardrobe department. I’ve recently been asked to take on the huge task of setting up a costume store for BIF. Over the years of doing the Festival we have made and brought a huge selection of costumes and accessories. In the past it’s been difficult to access stored costumes and we don’t have an inventory. My first challenge is to design a storage area to make optimum use of the space, whilst also making it easier to access. There is a huge selection of costumes that have been made and bought for the festival over the many years and from different periods. The second part of my challenge is to catalogue and photograph each item, making it more accessible for future designers to see what we have on offer. This means we will be able to retrieve items easily and speedily from storage to send on for fittings. Lastly, the costumes will be organised in such a way, that it is easy to find, for example, a modern long red ball grown or a period shirt. This means that the costumes can be stored correctly without being damaged and allows for longevity. Buxton is a small town and we struggle to find shops that, for example, sell costume jewellery, ties etc. Every show has its challenges, from shoes not fitting or designers wanting to add a new hat, scarf etc. This is where the store will hopefully come into its own. By being organised and local to the Opera House, it will mean that, if there ARE any last-minute decisions or alterations to the show, there would then be the option to use the store. Saving time, money, and helping the environment. Vicki with the keys to the new wardrobe department 16
The inner organiser in me is eager to get sorting and the costume person in me is dying to see what treasures we have tucked away. Vicki Smith
NEW BOARD MEMBERS WANTED
Buxton International Festival is described as ‘one of Europe’s great little unmissable European Opera Festivals’. In 2023 the Sunday Times listed BIF as one of the top 50 Festivals in the world. The 40th anniversary year, saw Buxton’s first commission of an original work, ‘Georgiana’, which won the UK Theatre Award for Opera and was voted one of the top five best Operas of the year. Buxton International Festival (BIF) is the only major Festival of its kind in Britain. Set in the beautiful Georgian spa town of Buxton in Derbyshire, it attracts audiences from around the UK and increasingly from overseas. Ambitious and highly innovative, Buxton combines original international productions of unusual operas with a major programme of concerts, recitals, literary events and Jazz. The Board is seeking new Members with strong commercial experience or equivalent and a passion for developing and sharing classical music, literature and jazz. Board members fund their own tickets and expenses; there is no financial remuneration, but huge amounts of fun and satisfaction! If you would like to be considered please send a brief CV and letter of interest to the Chairman, Felicity Goodey, c/o Lee Barnes at lee.barnes@buxtonfestival.co.uk Further details of the role are available. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 noon on Monday 30 October 2023
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MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION Dear Friends, As many of you are aware, the Foundation (BFF) was founded by the Friends with the objective of building an endowment to secure the long-term financial future of the Buxton International Festival. This year represents a positive step forward for the endowment as we are now able to commit to regular grants to the Festival, grants which support Adrian and Michael’s aim of continually improving the quality of BIF’s events. In BIF 2023 we were delighted to support the soloists in La Sonnambula, which for many was this year’s outstanding production.
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Whilst celebrating the growth of the endowment, we acknowledge the generosity of those who enjoyed the Festival in the past and who left a legacy so that future generations could continue to do so. If you would like more information about how we manage our funds, or are interested in joining our board of trustees, please contact me by email to chairman@bffs.world Jane Davies
BIF’S YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAMME Every year BIF recruits 10 young singers to be part of our Young Artist Programme. These artists sing in our chorus, receive mentoring and performance opportunities throughout the year. Mezzo-soprano Rebecca Anderson was part of the 2023 programme. She has this to say about her Buxton experience: La Sonnambula is a hidden gem in the bel canto repertoire: full of luscious music to accompany a compelling and, at times, amusing storyline. The Chorus are part of the majority of the action and it was so exciting to create our individual characters and narratives throughout the opera. As a part of the Young Artist Programme, a big component of my time with Buxton International Festival was to further my musical and stage training and I couldn’t have been in better hands with Harry Fehr (Director) and Adrian Kelly (Conductor) leading brilliant creative and production teams. The other chorus members and the principals were in turn a joy to work alongside; incredibly kind and considerate, but compelling and engaging people to call colleagues.
point were on stage silently enrapt in Amina’s ‘sleepwalking’ aria. The atmosphere was heart wrenching and you honestly could have heard a pin drop a mile away. The Festival was actually my first ever visit to the town of Buxton. It’s rather hard to fathom such world-renowned stars rocking up to a small town in Derbyshire, but that’s before you have a chance to appreciate the unique and truly special nature of Buxton International Festival. The people of Buxton made the Festival come alive, the local impact and shared love for the arts is what an international festival should be about. At every concert I went to see I ended up chatting to those sat next to me. Whether it was their first time, or they were lifelong friends of BIF it was special to see the importance that the Festival had in their community. Being part of the Young Artist Programme at BIF was an educational experience full of fun and enriching moments.
The first four weeks of studio rehearsals were held in central London, creating a gorgeous sound world, mapping out and finessing complex mass movements incorporating set and costume changes into our characters, and building a truly exhilarating show. When we first arrived in Buxton 10 days before opening night, moving the production into the theatre after the lofty rehearsal room had its challenges. The stage suddenly felt a great deal smaller for moving around lots of tables and chairs, and what had been a friendly line of tape on the rehearsal room floor was suddenly a three-metre drop into a shadowy orchestra pit. Adapting to the new surroundings came quickly even though there were a few tight corners to navigate furniture moving. Musically, La Sonnambula is quintessential bel canto and it truly came alive with the orchestra in situ. The sensual strings and soaring winds created a sound world that you could curl up and spend the rest of your life imbibing. A particularly special moment for me was towards the end of the second act when the principal cello accompanies a heartbroken Amina (sung by sensational Ziyi Dai). The chorus at that 19
LET YOUR PASSION INSPIRE THE FUTURE
Leaving a gift in your Will ensures the future of the Festival you have enjoyed and loved during your lifetime. “I have enjoyed Buxton International Festival events for over 25 years, and I want future generations to have the same opportunity. I have therefore left a legacy in my will for the Festival. I’d encourage others to do the same to support future programmes and artists.” Ian Webster Your legacy gift to BIF will make a huge difference to the continued development of the Festival. Your gift can support the 20
Festival as a whole or you may select to support specific activities including: • Innovative Opera Productions • The Music Series • Our Young Artists Programme Let your passion for opera, music and the arts continue for years to come through a legacy gift to BIF. Remembering a charity in your will is straightforward and leaving something to the Festival no matter how small will really make a difference. For more information on how to make a legacy gift to BIF, please call 01298 70395.