Curlew River

Preparations are well underway for this summer's production of Curlew River. In a collaboration with Tokyo University / Geddai, director David Edwards is presenting a double-bill of Britten's poignant church parable Curlew River alongside the Japanese Noh Theatre play Sumidagawa on which it was based. The principal roles of both works are taken by Japanese actors and singers, with a British chorus. Dominic Wheeler directs the music, and it's exciting to be assistant conductor and chorusmaster on such a rare project. Having assisted on RAO's production of Curlew River last year, and conducted another of the church parables, The Prodigal Son, for Ryedale Festival Opera the year before, it will be wonderful to return to this distinctive and absorbing music. In particular, it's a privilege to perform the piece in Orford Church, where Britten premiered it. We rehearse from mid-August and performances (Suffolk and London) are in early September.