First year students perform in Albert Herring
First year vocal students Samuel Horton, Eirwen Roberts and Myome Mortimer-Davies experienced professional opera life this summer, performing as children in Clonter Opera’s production of Albert Herring.
Written in 1947, Britten’s comic opera is an hilarious portrait of English village life. Set in the fictitious village of Loxford, it tells the story of Albert, an obedient son who, in the lack of any virtuous female candidates for May Queen, gets crowned May King, and after drinking a rum-laced lemonade, escapes for night of revelry and rebellion.
Conducted by Philip Sutherland, Clonter’s new production was directed by Michael McCaffery, with set and costume design by Bettina John and lighting by Steven Benson. The company, based in Congleton, Cheshire, provides professional development opportunities for emerging artists, orchestral, players, designers, and technicians.
Myome said: ‘Working at Clonter was the most wholesome and joyful experience I have been lucky to achieve this year. Working with a live orchestra for the first time definitely pushed my abilities as a performer and taught me more about the different sound worlds of the stage. This experience, paired with such a lovely and supportive atmosphere, was something I will never be able to thank them enough for!’
A particular support to vocal students, Clonter provides the highest quality training and performance opportunities for young singers, with the aim of bridging the gap between conservatoire and professional work.
Interested in joining our School of Vocal Studies and Opera in 2023? Applications are now open. Click here for more.
26 July 2022