Opera North are promising ‘captivating performances’ and ‘breath-taking artistry’ this week as they head to Newcastle Theatre Royal for two outstanding operatic performances on their visit from Wednesday, March 13 until Saturday March 16.

The spring season at Newcastle Theatre Royal is opening with powerful and destructive double bill of Cavalleria rusticana and Rachmaninov’s Aleko as well as a comedic outtake on love and fidelity with Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte. 

Performing on Wednesday, March 13 and Friday, March 15, visitors can expect to see the operatic double bill Cavalleria rusticana/Aleko with two short performances directed by Karolina Sofulak.

The Northern Echo: Opera North have promised a powerful double bill of Cavalleria rusticana and Rachmaninov’s Aleko

Pairing Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana with a new production of rarely performed Aleko, both works exude obsession and jealousy offering the perfect combination for a devastating insight into infidelity and destruction.

Cavalleria rusticana follows a tale of faithlessness, jealousy, and violence, set in a rural community where the church maintains an iron grip. 

Rachmaninov’s first opera follows Aleko who has turned his back on the restrictions of conventional society and joined a marginalised community where he falls in love with a young woman, Zemfira.

The Northern Echo: Opera North have promised a powerful double bill of Cavalleria rusticana and Rachmaninov’s Aleko

Many of the cast of Opera North will take on role in both performances including Robert Hayward, who sings Alfio in Cavalleria rusticana and the title role in Aleko.

South Shields own Anne-Marie Owens will also return to Opera North to star in both productions, conducted by Harry Sever.

In addition, Mozart’s much-loved opera Così Fan Tutte will be performed Thursday, March 14 and Saturday, March 16.

The Northern Echo: The spring season at Newcastle Theatre Royal is opening with a comedic outtake on love and fidelity

With two sisters challenged to infidelity by their own fiancés in disguise, Mozart’s comic look at love offers a light-hearted look at romance filled with seduction, revelations and surprises, accompanied by opera’s trademark breath-taking vocals and powerful music.

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The Northern Echo: Mozart’s much-loved opera Così Fan Tutte heads to Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tim Albery’s classic production, set in the 18th century Age of Reason, features Alexandra Lowe as Fiordiligi and Heather Lowe as Dorabella, with Anthony Gregory and Henry Neill as their duplicitous lovers Ferrando and Guglielmo.

Clemens Schuldt also makes his Opera North debut conducting the beguiling score, one of Mozart’s most breathtakingly beautiful works.

Opera North shows at Newcastle Theatre Royal this week, Cavalleria rusticana/Aleko will be performed on Wednesday, March 13 and Friday, March 15 and Così Fan Tutte will be performed on Thursday, March 14 and Saturday, March 16. 

Tickets and more information for all performances can be found by visiting www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.