Classical Opera
Classical Opera was founded in 1997 by conductor Ian Page to explore the works of Mozart and his contemporaries, and has emerged as one of the leading exponents in its field. Performing with its own acclaimed period-instrument orchestra, the company has attracted considerable critical and public recognition, not only for the high quality of its performances but also for its imaginative programming and its ability to discover and nurture outstanding young singers.
Classical Opera has performed regularly at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sadler's Wells, Wigmore Hall, the Barbican and Kings Place, and has mounted staged productions of many of Mozart's operas, including Apollo et Hyacinthus, La finta semplice, Il re pastore, Zaide, Le nozze di Figaro and Così fan tutte. In 2009 it was invited to present The Royal Opera's new production of Thomas Arne's Artaxerxes, and it has also given the world première of the ‘original' version of Mozart's Mitridate, re di Ponto, the UK première of Gluck's La clemenza di Tito, and concert performances of Mozart's Ascanio in Alba and Lucio Silla, Handel's Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, Arne's Alfred and J.C. Bach's Adriano in Siria.
Classical Opera's first two recordings - ‘The A-Z of Mozart Opera' (Sony BMG, 2007) and ‘Blessed Spirit: a Gluck retrospective' (Wigmore Hall Live, 2010) - were both selected for Gramophone magazine's annual ‘Critic's Choice', and they were followed in 2011 by Arne's Artaxerxes on Linn Records (‘Opera Choice', BBC Music Magazine; ‘Disc of the Month', Opera). The 2012 recording of Apollo et Hyacinthus is the first in a major new cycle of Mozart opera recordings with Linn Records, in association with Bärenreiter-Verlag Kassel.
For further information -
www.classicalopera.co.ukClassical Opera Company's New Release in the Classical Charts!31 January 2011
Number 14 in the Classical Charts
more >>Artaxerxes is Disc of the Month16 January 2011
Chosen by BBC Classics Unwrapped (January 2011)
more >>
SA-CD.net'An auspicious & thrilling start to what will surely prove to be an historic recording project.'
more >>The Independent'gracefully regal'
more >>Audiophile AuditionChosen as 'Best of the Year Discs for 2011'
6moons.comBlue Moon Award: 'It's excellent from start to finish with amazing young singers...'
more >>OperaDisc of the Month: '...artistry of the highest quality.'
more >>Early Music Review'...we owe a great debt to conductor Ian Page for bringing [Artaxerxes] back to life. '
more >>Opera Now
Opera Now Choice: 'The orchestra has a natural sheen and the voices - especially those of the women - are radiant.'
more >>MusicWeb International"Anyone with an interest in 18th century opera ought to try the disc. They won't be disappointed."
more >>Gramophone"Brilliant tone of Elizabeth Watts...[and] admirable work by all the other voices"
more >>Gramophone - Super Audio Corner"The performance is thrilling, with exemplary singing and playing..."
more >>Audiophile Audition"I can't recommend this release too highly. It should be in the collection of every opera lover."
more >>Classic FM
'The recitatives...are delivered with conviction, flowing seamlessly into the arias.'
more >>BBC Music Magazine"...here it is presented complete and to a consistently high standard."
more >>6Moon.comBlue Moon Award: "The orchestra is spectacular...Linn's studio recording is as usual excellent...Enjoy!"
more >>The Scotsman"[A] classy, crystal clear recording."
more >>International Record Review'admirable set'
more >>Pizzicato"...est rendu dans une lecture vivante, avec d'excellents chanteurs..."
more >>The Observer"Elizabeth Watts and Rebecca Bottone shine under Ian Page's crisp direction."
more >>North London News"...the singing is both intensely musical and full of acute psychological nuance..."
more >>The Sunday Times"Christopher Ainslie is outstanding in the title role."
more >>SA-CD.net"I cannot recommend this too strongly...this is truly a set to banish the wintry gloom!"
more >>
11 May 2012
England
St. George's, Bristol
Mozart: Apollo et Hyacinthus
In May our new recording of Mozart's first opera, Apollo et Hyacinthus, is released on Linn Records, the first in a major new recording cycle of Mozart operas. To celebrate this launch we are presenting two concert performances of the work, featuring members of the original cast from the recording, including Klara Ek, Lawrence Zazzo and Andrew Kennedy. The concerts will also feature other works from Mozart's remarkable childhood.
St. George's, Bristol (tickets £12 - £28, concessions £10 - £26)
Book online or by calling 0845 40 24 001.
14 May 2012
England, London
Cadogan HallMozart: Apollo et Hyacinthus
In May our new recording of Mozart's first opera, Apollo et Hyacinthus, is released on Linn Records, the first in a major new recording cycle of Mozart operas. To celebrate this launch we are presenting two concert performances of the work, featuring members of the original cast from the recording, including Klara Ek, Lawrence Zazzo and Andrew Kennedy. The concerts will also feature other works from Mozart's remarkable childhood.
Cadogan Hall (tickets £15 - £40; Gala tickets, £75 - includes post-show reception and a gift-aidable donation of £20; students, £5 off £20 and £15 tickets).
Book online or by calling 020 7730 4500. Members' priority booking available on 020 8846 9744.
15 October 2012
England, London
Wigmore Hall'Ruhe Sanfte': A Mozart Kaleidoscope
We are delighted to announce a concert with the internationally renowned French soprano Sandrine Piau, well known for her numerous recial CDs of Handel and Mozart. The programme includes arias from Die Schuldigkeit des ersten Gebots, Mitridate, La finta giardiniera and Zaide, as well as a ravishing arrangement of an aria from Handel's Ode for St Cecilia's Day.
Booking opens 15 May 2012
Tickets £18 - £35: Book online or by calling 020 7935 2141.
Members' priority booking available now on 020 8846 9744.
23 December 2012
England, London
Wigmore HallHandel: Messiah
To end our year, we have been invited to present Wigmore Hall's biennial performance of Handel's Messiah. 270 years after its premiere, Messiah remains one of the most popular and iconic works in the repertory, and we have assembled an outstanding line-up, including soloists Sophie Bevan, Christopher Ainslie, Allan Clayton and Jacques Imbrailo.
Booking opens 22 May 2012
Tickets £18 - £35: Book online or by calling 020 7935 2141.
Members' priority booking available now on 020 8846 9744.
