World-famous opera knight brings Wagner to Dartington
One of Britain's most celebrated opera stars heads to Dartington this summer for a unique event, offering audiences the chance not only to hear great music, but also to access the creative process behind one of opera's most powerful works.
On Saturday 22 August, internationally acclaimed bass Sir John Tomlinson will join conductor and vocal coach Kelvin Lim and the singers of Opera Forge in the Great Hall at Dartington for a special afternoon rehearsal and evening performance centred on Richard Wagner's epic masterpiece Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), one of the most dramatic and influential works in the operatic repertoire.
For opera lovers, Sir John Tomlinson needs little introduction. In a career spanning more than four decades, he has performed at the world's leading opera houses, including Covent Garden, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera and Germany’s Bayreuth Festival. His portrayals of Wagner's mighty gods, kings and heroes have earned him worldwide acclaim and a knighthood for his contribution to music.
Yet despite that international reputation, Dartington audiences will have the chance to experience something rarely seen by the public: a live working rehearsal led by Sir John himself, as he coaches and shapes scenes from Die Walküre alongside conductor Kelvin Lim and a cast of rising operatic stars.
The afternoon session will offer a fascinating glimpse into the craft behind great opera. Audiences will be able to watch performers and musicians working through scenes from Acts Two and Three of Wagner's drama, hearing first-hand how singers develop character, interpretation and musical expression under the guidance of artists at the highest level of the profession.
The evening brings a concert performance showcasing the results of that work, led by Kelvin Lim, Opera Forge's Artistic and Musical Director. Kelvin is a familiar figure at Dartington, where he has taught and worked with singers for many years.
A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he has worked with organisations including the Royal Ballet and Opera, English National Opera, Opera Holland Park and Longborough Festival Opera, becoming particularly respected for his expertise in Wagner and the German Romantic repertoire. His artistic relationship with Sir John Tomlinson stretches back more than 15 years.
Opera Forge was created to support outstanding singers as they make the challenging transition into some of opera's most demanding roles. The company brings together established artists and emerging talent, creating opportunities for performers to develop major repertoire in front of live audiences rather than solely in rehearsal rooms.
That mission is reflected in the cast appearing at Dartington, including dramatic soprano Katerina Mina, whose growing reputation in Wagnerian repertoire has seen her perform leading roles across the UK and Europe. She is among a new generation of singers developing the vocal power and dramatic range needed for Wagner's demanding music dramas.
For audiences, however, no specialist knowledge of opera is required. Even those who don't know Wagner will probably recognise some of the music. The Valkyrie contains the famous 'Ride of the Valkyries', one of the best-known classical pieces ever written and sampled for the screen in Apocalypse Now, The Blues Brothers and even The Simpsons.
The event has been designed as an accessible and engaging introduction to a remarkable art form. Whether attendees are lifelong opera enthusiasts, regular visitors to Dartington's music events, or simply curious to experience something different, the combination of live performance and behind-the-scenes insight promises a memorable evening.
"This is not just a concert," says Kelvin Lim. "It's an opportunity to witness how great artists work, collaborate and bring extraordinary music to life."
For anyone who has ever wondered what happens behind the curtain before a major production reaches the stage, this is a rare chance to find out.
Opera Forge: Wagner's Die Walküre takes place in the Great Hall at Dartington on Saturday 22 August. Audiences can attend the evening performance, the full afternoon rehearsal or both.
Tickets and further information are available via
Dartington:
Opera Forge:
https://operaforge.com/22-august-dartington-working-afternoon-concert/
