Intermezzo

Does cinema create new opera audiences?

The answer is a big fat NO, according to a new survey commissioned by English Touring Opera.

The study of 234 operagoers "found that 81% of cinema opera attendees were over 60 years old, with an age profile slightly older than that typically found at live opera. In addition, the study indicates that attending a cinema broadcast of opera does not regularly inspire cinema-goers to attend live opera in a theatre, with 85% of respondents reporting no increased motivation to attend live after their cinema experience."

The survey covered only London, where live opera is available virtually seven nights a week. It's possible that viewers outside the capital, with less access to the real thing, might think differently.

Nevertheless it's hard to disagree with the conclusions of ETO’s general director James Conway: “A lot has been speculated about the potential for cinema relays to create new audiences for live opera. I would love that to be the case but, as this research indicates, it may be wishful thinking."

A magic Magic Flute

The Magic Flute - English Touring Opera - Hackney Empire, 7 March 2014

Another excellent production from English Touring Opera brings their total of spring season must-sees to three out of three. After ENO's tired, laboured Magic Flute a few months ago proved that even Mozart can sink beneath directorial dross comes this fresh, sparkling and joyously performed remedy.

Damian Lewis takes opera role

Homeland's multiple-award winning token ginge, aka Sgt Brody, is to play the title role in English Touring Opera’s Paul Bunyan. The new production of one of Britten's least familiar operas opens at the Linbury Studio on Monday 17 February, before travelling to 13 theatres across the country. 

The role is a spoken and offstage one, so Lewis has pre-recorded his part. You can listen to his uncannily perfect American accent on ETO's website.

Top of the Poppeas

The Coronation of Poppea - English Touring Opera - Britten Theatre, 9 October 2013

What happens when rulers have absolute power? How far will they go when there are no limits? James Conway's production sets Monteverdi's opera in the explicitly political context of Stalin's Soviet Union.

Jason, fleeced

Jason - English Touring Opera - Britten Theatre, 4 October 2013

Giasone or Jason, Cavalli's greatest hit emerges trimmed and translated as a witty commentary on fidelity in English Touring Opera's new production.

Substantial cuts have shorn the Golden Fleece from the tale, not to mention the Argonauts. Jason pursues Medea while his wife Isiphile waits for him at home. When fate brings his mistress and his wife together, Jason's cowardly choice is undone by the intervention of Medea's suitor Egeus. A happy ending ensues. None of this bears much relation to the myth it is based on, but it's miles funnier in Ted Huffman's pacey production.

Half price tickets for English Touring Opera

English Touring Opera's autumn season begins tonight at the Royal College of Music with Monteverdi's Coronation of Poppea (also on 9 Oct). This is the James Conway production as performed by RCM students a few months ago, but this time round the singers are professionals. There's also a rare chance to see Cavalli's Giasone (4, 5 and 10 Oct). Handel's Agrippina (8, 11 and 12 Oct) follows.

Remaining tickets (£10 to £40) for the RCM dates can be booked by calling 0844 412 4314. For under 26s only, there's 50% off.  Quote promo code BAROQUE YOUR WORLD to get the discount. The offer is not available online.

If you want to take your chances at the door on the night, ticket sales will be cash only.

After wrapping up in London, the productions will tour around the country.