A trio of operas by Gustav Holst at the 2021 Leeds Opera Festival

Gustav Holst completed nine operas.  They span his compositional career.  None were commissioned; several were not performed in his lifetime; most did not meet with critical acclaim.  Few would consider…

Pauline Viardot’s Cinderella: a Christmas treat from Northern Opera Group

Pauline Viardot was the scion of a distinguished vocal dynasty. Her father, Manuel Garcia (tenor, impresario, teacher) took part in the premieres of Rossini’s Elisabetta, Regina d’Inghilterra and Il barbiere…

David Ward, Artistic Director of Northern Opera Group – in conversation

My telephone conversation with David Ward, co-founder and Artistic Director of Northern Opera Group, began with a sheepish confession.  Before undertaking some research prior to our discussion, I knew little…