Orfeo at the Roundhouse: in rehearsal
The Royal Opera House and the Roundhouse’s co-production of Monterverdi’s opera L’Orfeo – one of the first operas ever written – opens at the Roundhouse, London this week in a new staging by Michael Boyd, making his operatic debut. David Levene went along to photograph one of the final rehearsals.
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L’Orfeo, by Monterverdi, is one of the earliest operas ever written. It was composed in 1607 for a court performance during the annual carnival at Mantua. The Royal Opera House production is their first collaboration with Camden’s Roundhouse, and the first time the company have staged the work.
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The Early Opera Company in the pit, conducted by Christopher Moulds. The specialist orchestra are playing early 17th-century period instruments; pictured here is Sam Goble playing a baroque trumpet.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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The opera features an ensemble chorus of young singers working alongside the professional cast, with 15 young dancers livening up the production with a combination of circus skills and contemporary dance. Behind the scenes, Digital Production teams are offering local young people the opportunity to learn and develop skills around film and digital projects.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Emilia Benjamin of the Early Opera Company plays the lirone; also pictured is viola player Louise Hogan.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Rachel Kelly, currently one of the ROH’s Jette Parker Young Artists, sings the role of Proserpina.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Monteverdi was precise about which instruments he wished to play in specific scenes of the opera, but, as was the custom of the time, he left his musicians a certain freedom for improvisation.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Lilas Mabiala, one of the young dancers involved in the project with the Royal Opera House and East London Dance, who worked with choreographers to devise an original piece of choreography.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Mary Bevan (Euridice) has burns makeup applied before the final scenes.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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The opera will be sung in English with a newly commissioned translation by Don Paterson.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Mary Bevin (Euridice) reaches up for Gyula Orendt (Orfeo).
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Rehearsal notes belonging to assistant director Paul Higgins.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Mary Bevin as Euridice
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Gyula Orendt has burns makeup applied mid-performance, during the final act.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Postgraduate students from Guildhall School of Music and Drama sing the chorus and also shadow the main roles.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
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Gyula Orendt as Orfeo and Mary Bevin as Euridice.
Photograph: David Levene/Guardian
