March
20
5 Things to Know About Pegasus Opera Company’s Double Bill: “Roman Fever” and “The Human Voice
Emotional Depths and Female Voices: Pegasus Opera’s Double Bill of ‘Roman Fever’ and ‘The Human Voice’ Takes the Stage
1. A Unique Fusion of Gripping Tales: Pegasus Opera Company, in collaboration with Hagemann Rosenthal Associates, is set to present a compelling double bill that includes “Roman Fever” by Philip Hagemann and “The Human Voice” (La Voix Humaine) by Francis Poulenc, based on Jean Cocteau’s play. This unique pairing of operas offers audiences a blend of emotional depth, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships. The performances are scheduled for April 12-14, 2024, at the Susie Sainsbury Theatre, Royal Academy of Music, London.
2. Celebrating Female-Driven Stories with an All-Female Cast and Creative Team: Reflecting the narratives’ powerful focus on women’s experiences, the production boasts an all-female cast and creative team. Directed by Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE and conducted by Rebecca Tong, the double bill highlights women’s voices and stories, both onstage and off, showcasing the depth and diversity of female talent in the world of opera.
3. “Roman Fever”: A Story of Rivalry and Revelation: Adapted from Edith Wharton’s acclaimed short story, “Roman Fever” marks its first operatic staging in the UK. The opera delves into the lives of two widows from Manhattan, Grace Ansley and Alida Slade, as they navigate a complex web of jealousy and hidden truths during a trip to Rome with their daughters. Hagemann’s composition beautifully complements Wharton’s narrative, offering a musical exploration of friendship, rivalry, and unexpected confessions.
4. “The Human Voice”: A Singular, Intimate Experience: Francis Poulenc’s “The Human Voice” is a stark contrast to the ensemble narrative of “Roman Fever,” focusing on the intense emotional journey of a single character. This one-act opera captures the heart-wrenching final phone conversation of a woman with her lover, who is about to marry someone else. Poulenc’s music, waiting three decades to be composed, poignantly expresses the nuances of love, loss, and the human condition.
5. Acclaimed Talent Behind and in Front of the Curtain: The production not only features the creative direction of Josette Bushell-Mingo and the conducting prowess of Rebecca Tong but also stars notable performers such as Nadine Benjamin MBE and Alison Buchanan. Both Benjamin and Buchanan bring their rich operatic experiences to their roles, promising audiences performances of profound emotional depth and vocal brilliance. This double bill is a testament to the collaborative spirit and artistic excellence of the Pegasus Opera Company and its partners, offering a memorable experience that bridges classic and contemporary opera.
This double bill is a rare opportunity to experience two distinct operatic works in one evening, each exploring the intricacies of human emotion and relationships through powerful female perspectives. Whether you’re a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, these performances promise to engage, challenge, and move you.
