Published: 03 May 2011
Category: Vocal & Opera

Intermusica has three of its artists in a brand new production of Britten’s much-loved opera A Midsummer Night’s Dream at English National Opera, directed by Christopher Alden (May 19 to June 30).

Baritone Benedict Nelson (pictured) returns to ENO after his success as Valentin in Gounod’s Faust earlier this season to sing the role of Demetrius. Tenor Michael Colvin sings Flute, one of the "rude mechanicals" whose preparations for a play to be performed at the celebrations of Theseus’s wedding to Hippolyta are the opera’s comedic high points. Leo Hussain conducts in a welcome return to the house.

The production promises to be controversial and, in a departure from more traditional productions, more sinister than comical. All three artists have busy diaries ahead of them, with both Michael and Benedict returning to ENO for various roles next season, including Benedict’s role debut in a brand new production by David Alden of Britten’s Billy Budd. Leo Hussain has engagements planned with various opera houses and orchestras across Europe, including La Monnaie, Salzburg Landestheater, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras.

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