One of the highlights of this year’s Ryedale Festival programme is the pop-up production of the first great English opera, Venus and Adonis by John Blow. This pocket sized, pop-up opera is set to be performed by the Ryedale Festival Opera, conducted by Eamonn Dougan and directed by Monica Nicolaides, in a tour of three of the Ryedale region’s most ancient and atmospheric churches between Friday 21st and Monday 23rd July.
Making wonderful and dramatic opera possible and easy to access for the residents of Ryedale and surrounds is a point of pride for the Festival. This year it brings England’s first great opera Venus and Adonis to the doorsteps of residents for the affordable price of £20.
Specially created for performance in the All Saints’ Churches in Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley and St. Michael’s Church in Malton, the production tours the length and breadth of the district to make it as easy as possible for existing opera-lovers and newcomers looking to dip their toes, to experience Venus and Adonis live and in the flesh.
Venus and Adonis is a magical retelling of the Classical myth of these two well-known characters, following Cupid’s accidental striking of Venus with one of his love arrows. The mini-opera was written for the party-loving court of King Charles II, and explores the differences between desire, lust and love. Moving seamlessly between comedy, tragedy, worldly cynicism and witty innuendo, towards a devastating and unforgettable conclusion, this production is certainly not one to miss on its tour around Ryedale.
There are several offers in place for Ryedale Festival tickets to help local residents enjoy the opera for an affordable price. Tickets are priced at £20, while Under 25s can purchase tickets for each of the three performances – and most others at the festival – for £5.
The festival has also introduced the Ryedale Rush scheme for 2023. Every Thursday in June and July will see a limited number of £10 tickets released for performances at the festival. Sign up to the mailing list here and you will have the opportunity to enter a draw to secure these tickets, subject to availability. This is a great new way to experience the Ryedale Festival at a discount and take a chance on experiencing this first great English opera between 21st and 23rd July, and the best in classical music across the district between the 14th and 30th.
Christopher Glynn, Artistic Director of the Ryedale Festival said:“The Ryedale Festival is proud to bring opera to the doorsteps of North Yorkshire residents. The fantastic pop-up production of Venus and Adonis by our very own Ryedale Festival Opera is certain to excite audiences and continue our work to open the world of opera to those who may not have experienced it before. We are of course also delighted to bring this production to three of Ryedale’s most beautiful churches, ensuring a feast for both the eyes and ears of our brilliant audiences.”
Tickets and more information can be found at https://ryedalefestival.com/. Tickets for the summer Festival are on sale now.
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LISTINGS
Ryedale Festival 2023
Venus & Adonis by John Blow
Ryedale Festival Opera
Eamonn Dougan conductor
Monica Nicolaides director
All performances will last around 60 minutes with no interval.
Friday 21st July, 11:00 am
All Saints’ Church, Kirkbymoorside
Coffee, tea and soft drinks available from 10-10.45am
Tickets and information here
Saturday 22nd July, 4:00 pm
All Saints’ Church, Helmsley
Tickets and information here
Sunday 23rd July, 4:00 pm
St. Michael’s Church, Malton
Tickets and information here