September 22, 2011
Furtive Figaro, the candid video podcast exploring behind the scenes of opera production and performance, is back for a second season!
In 2010, Kate Valentine recorded interviews and scenes during her run as Countess Almaviva in Sir Thomas Allen’s critically acclaimed new production of ‘Le nozze di Figaro’ for Scottish Opera. This year, Kate is filming a new series of short episodes documenting the process of rehearsing an Opera, and celebrating the skilled individuals who make it all possible.
You can subscribe to the Furtive Figaro twitter feed by following @furtivefigaro , or subscribe to the micro-blogging Tumblr site.
May 25, 2011
After her highly acclaimed success in the role of Elisabeth Zimmer in Henze’s Elegy for Young Lover’s, Kate Valentine has recently returned to English National Opera in another role debut, as Helena in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The stellar cast, described by Dominic McHugh of Musical Criticism as “a remarkable line-up”, also includes Iestyn Davies, Sir Willard White and Anna Christy.
Conducted by Leo Hussain, Christopher Alden’s new production has been described by Andrew Clements of The Guardian as “remarkable”, and Andrew Clark of The Financial Times goes further saying that this is “one of the most intoxicating and disturbing ENO shows in recent memory.”
Stephen Jay-Taylor of Opera Britannia comments that “Kate Valentine [was a] vocally game Helena”, and Barry Millington, writing for Evening Standard, thinks that “The quartet of lovers was superbly sung by Allan Clayton, Tamara Gura, Benedict Nelson and Kate Valentine”
Shows will be running at the London Coliseum until the end of June. To find out more about this production and to book tickets, click here.
To watch a video trailer, click here.
[ Original Posting taken from www.rayfieldartists.com ]
May 17, 2011
English National Opera have announced their 2011/2012 season, detailing a programme of 15 productions including 4 operas by living conductors and 11 new productions.
This fascinating lineup, in which Kate stars as Countess Almaviva in a new production of The Marriage of Figaro, features of host of established and new British talent.
You can read more on the English National Opera website by clicking here
ENO 2011/2012 Season
The Elixir of Love, Donizetti , opens 15 September 2011
The Passenger, Weinberg, opens 19 September 2011
The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart, opens 5 October 2011
Castor and Pollux, Rameau, opens 24 October 2011
Eugene Onegin, Tchaikovsky, opens 12 November 2011
Tosca, Puccini, opens 26 November 2011
Der Rosenkavalier, Strauss, opens 28 January 2012
The Tales of Hoffmann, Offenbach, opens 10 February 2012
The Death of Klinghoffer, John Adams, opens 25 February 2012
Jakob Lenz, Wolfgang Rihm, opens 17 April 2012, Hampstead Theatre
The Flying Dutchman, Wagner, opens 28 April 2012
Madam Butterfly, Puccini, opens 8 May 2012
Caligula, Detlev Glanert, opens 25 May 2012
Billy Budd, Britten, opens 18 June 2012
Doctor Dee, Damon Albarn, opens 25 June 2012 (press night 26 June)
February 11, 2011
Fiona Shaw’s celebrated production of Henze’s rarely performed Elegy for Young Lovers has been nominated for Best New Opera Production in this year’s Olivier Awards. This collaboration with the Young Vic is a double triumph for English National Opera, who have also received a nomination for Simon McBurney’s operatic directing debut, A Dog’s Heart.
As Elisabeth Zimmer, Kate enjoyed critical acclaim for her performance alongside a ‘terrific cast’ (Hugh Canning, Opera) and she and her colleagues are thrilled that the production has been recognised in this way.
Keep everything crossed on March the 13th, when the winner will be announced! You can find out more about this and the other nominations at www.olivierawards.com
