WHAT
Bluebeard’s Castle is the only opera by Hungarian composer Béla Bartók and is widely regarded as a masterpiece. With only two singers and one 70 minute act he creates an extraordinary atmosphere with astonishing theatrical power and beauty. Its world is dark and disturbing, a powerful drama of inner emotion. In the hall of Duke Bluebeard’s castle, his new wife Judith opens the hall’s seven doors one by one, each revealing its own horror. The opera will be performed in English on 11 dates between 1st and 24th August.
WHERE
Our intimate version will take place in Old St Paul’s Church in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This venue makes the perfect oppressive gothic castle and the audience will get a close-up experience of the performance.
WHO
Showcasing celebrated professional Scottish musicians Catherine Backhouse (mezzo-soprano) as Judith, James Corrigan (baritone) as Duke Bluebeard and Lliam Paterson on piano, all of whom count Bluebeard's Castle as one of their favourite operas.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP
With your support we could elevate these concerts to a semi-staged production with as much theatre as we can muster! We could employ an excellent director, buy costumes and props, hire lighting, have professional photographs and a video trailer made to promote the show, run a paid targeted social media campaign, hire extra flyering help, pay the musicians reasonable fees and hire an organist for added musical drama!
EMOTIONALLY VOLATILE PRODUCTIONS
After many years of working for other people as a professional singer, Catherine Backhouse is relishing producing her own show. She hopes this will be the start of a Scotland-based company that produces top-quality performances that imaginatively reframe opera, classical music and theatre for contemporary audiences.