The Royal Opera House houses the UK’s leading Opera and Ballet companies, and plays host to a wide range of visiting companies and artists. Through its programme on the main stage, in the Linbury Studio, the Clore Studio and in spaces throughout the building it presents many forms of classical and contemporary opera and dance. Our funding is a contribution towards its core costs.
Ramin Gray discusses his new production of Gerald Barry's The Importance of Being Earnest. It is the the first UK staging of Barry's adaption of Oscar Wilde's classic, which had its concert premiere at the Barbican in 2012.
Find out more http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/the-importance-of-being-earnest-by-ramin-gray
Liam Scarlett discusses his choice of dancers and their creative process for Hansel and Gretel, his first full-length narrative ballet. A dark take on the traditional fairytale, it had its premier on 8 May 2013. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/hansel-and-gretel-by-liam-scarlett
The rehearsals feature original music by Dan Jones.
Liam Scarlett on the ideas behind his first full-length narrative ballet Hansel and Gretel. A dark take on the traditional fairytale, it had its premier on 8 May 2013. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/hansel-and-gretel-by-liam-scarlett
The rehearsals feature original music by Dan Jones.
Creative Connections is a professional development programme for Thurrock teachers working with artistic practitioners making creative learning part of the curriculum.
Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/creativeconnectionsCHECK
Watch Royal Ballet Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor rehearsing his new and innovative modern fairytale, Raven Girl, a story commissioned from award-winning writer Audrey Niffenegger. With Royal Ballet dancers Sarah Lamb and Eric Underwood. Music by Gabriel Yared.
Book tickets - http://www.roh.org.uk/mixed-programmes/raven-girl-symphony-in-c
Find out more about ROH Insights - http://www.roh.org.uk/insights
Jon Bausor talks about how working in dance and opera has informed the way he designs in all areas. We see some of his designs and model boxes for Royal Opera House productions including Cathy Marston's Ghosts as well as Pleasure's Progress and The Thief of Baghdad - both by Will Tuckett.
Find out more about his work on Liam Scarlett's ballet Hansel and Gretel here: http://www.roh.org.uk/news/watch-jon-bausor-on-hansel-and-gretel%E2%80%A8
Jon Bausor on designing the set and costumes for Liam Scarlett's dark fairytale ballet Hansel and Gretel.
Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/hanselandgretel
Music for the piece was composed by Dan Jones.
Hear from Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and visual artist and writer Audrey Niffenegger about their unique collaboration, Raven Girl.
Find out more www.roh.org.uk/ravengirl
Visual artist and writer Audrey NIffenegger explains the complex process of creating Aquatints for her latest graphic novel, Raven Girl. Commissioned by The Royal Ballet's Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor as the story for his latest new work.
Find out more - www.roh.org.uk/ravengirl
Award winning graphic novelist Audrey Niffenegger reads from her new book, Raven Girl. Commissioned by The Royal Ballet's Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor as the story for his latest main stage work.
Find out more www.roh.org.uk/ravengirl
Jean Abreu Dance presents a visceral, multimedia experience, featuring stunning images by acclaimed British artists Gilbert & George. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/blood-by-jean-abreu
In Brazilian-born choreographer/dancer Jean Abreu's Blood, the internal becomes exposed and the inside is deconstructed. The work draws on Gilbert & George's The Fundamental Pictures, New Testamental Pictures and The Rudimentary Pictures, which feature microscopic images of bodily fluids. Abreu, creator of the Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit Inside, pushes himself to the limit in search of the raw experience of being alive.
With music by Paul Wolinski, of 65daysofstatic, and cutting-edge motion-sensor technology by Mirko Arcese and Luca Biada, Blood inhabits, animates, destroys and rebuilds Gilbert & George's extraordinary works.
Pierina Legnani was reputed to have been the first ballerina to dance 32 fouettes. But as we find out, this wasn't strictly the case.
Including demonstration from Royal Ballet dancers Akane Takada and Marianela Núñez. With former ballet mistress Ursula Hageli and ballet historian Giannandrea Poesio.
Find out more about ROH Insights. roh.org.uk/insights
The Royal Opera House offers apprenticeships in a variety of different areas. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/apprenticeships
Watch Anna Marcangelo a Technical Theatre Apprentice working with the Royal Opera House, explaining why she got involved in the scheme and how working with professionals is helping develop her career in the theatre.
Members of the chorus tell us what it is like working for The Royal Opera. Find out more about Nabucco at - http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/nabucco-by-daniele-abbado
Find out more about The Royal Opera Chorus at http://www.roh.org.uk/about/the-royal-opera-chorus
The Royal Opera Chorus was created in 1946 for the re-opening of the ROH after World War II. Known then as the Covent Garden Opera Chorus, it first appeared during December the same year in Purcell's The Faery Queene, staged together with Sadler's Wells Ballet (now The Royal Ballet). Its first full-scale opera production was Carmen in January 1947.
Since then the chorus has been the backbone of the Royal Opera, performing in an average of 20 productions each season, in a wide repertoire ranging from Baroque through to newly commissioned works. The chorus is frequently augmented by as many as 60 freelance singers when larger productions are mounted.
As most operas are performed in the original language (Italian, French, German, Russian, Czech) the chorus works closely with language coaches during the rehearsal period.
Due to the brevity of production runs (six or seven performances) the chorus will often be performing in two or three productions in the evenings while rehearsing one or two other productions during the day and also learning the music of several other operas all at the same time.
Plácido Domingo (Nabucco) and Liudmyla Monastyrska (Abigaille) describe what it is like taking on their roles in Nabucco. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/nabucco-by-daniele-abbado
Renato Balsadonna (Chorus Director) and Nicola Luisotti (Conductor) describe how Verdi used the chorus in Nabucco. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/nabucco-by-daniele-abbado
Award winning lighting designer Paule Constable took part in an ROH Insights event where she explained how she approached lighting War Horse for the National Theatre.
Find out more about ROH Insights. roh.org.uk/insights
With thanks to the National Theatre for the use of production photography.
The Royal Opera House offers apprenticeships in a wide variety of areas. To find out more, visit http://www.roh.org.uk/apprenticeships
Watch the scenic apprentices talk about their experience creating scenery for the Royal Opera House stage. This exciting opportunity enables them to work with professionals and help develop a career in the theatre.
Our Summer Season 2012/13 film - find out more about the Summer Season at the Royal Opera House and buy tickets at http://www.roh.org.uk
Watch the short version of our Summer Season film - http://youtu.be/URd9NVCOYNs
Find out more about the film - http://www.roh.org.uk/news/watch-summer-season-film-starring-royal-ballet-dancers-and-an-impassioned-rendition-of-normas-casta-diva
The Royal Opera House is the home of The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera, ROH2 and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
The film was wholly created in house, drawing on the talent and resources within the Royal Opera House and filmed in one of The Royal Opera's cavernous rehearsal rooms.
Music courtesy of EMI Classics. Buy it online: http://www.roh.org.uk/products/callas-maria-the-callas-effect-cd-dvd
John Fulljames's production of Rossini's turbulent love story is set in the 16th-century Scottish highlands. Find out more here: http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/la-donna-del-lago-by-john-fulljames
Although its premiere in 1819 was a success, it is rarely staged. John Fulljames's new production provides an opportunity to experience an underperformed gem.
Find out more about John Fulljames's vision for the production in this model showing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGRfzskEPvs
Music courtesy of EMI Classics - La Donna Del Lago: Tanti Aaffetti In Tal Momento. http://www.amazon.co.uk/La-Donna-Del-Lago-Aaffetti/dp/B002QV3AW6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1363096249&sr=1-1-fkmr0
Conductor Sir Colin Davis and director David McVicar discuss their production of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/die-zauberflote-by-david-mcvicar
David McVicar's classic production embraces both the seriousness and comedy of Mozart's work. The audience is transported to a fantastical world of dancing animals, flying machines and dazzlingly starry skies. The setting provides a wonderful backdrop for Mozart's kaleidoscopic score, from the Queen of the Night's coloratura fireworks to Tamino and Pamina's lyrical love duets and Papageno's robust, folksong-like arias.
This piece is taken from the BBC DVD release of Die Zauberflöte
Acclaimed soprano Angela Gheorghiu on playing Magda in Puccini's tender opera, La rondine. Production footage is from the Metropolitan Opera DVD of La rondine. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/la-rondine-by-nicolas-joel
On Thursday 11 July at 7.30pm, La rondine will be relayed live to our BP Big Screens. To find out more and find a screen near you, visit http://www.roh.org.uk/about/bp-big-screens
Nicolas Joël's production draws on the glamour and glitter of 1920s France. In the chic surroundings of her Parisian salon, Magda celebrates passionate love in the memorable song 'Doretta's Dream' and in an Art Nouveau-inspired café, the lovers chat to a leisurely foxtrot. Giacomo Puccini's score is influenced by Viennese operetta and infused with popular dance rhythms, from two interwoven waltz themes in Act II to lively polkas and tangos. The final act moves to a hotel on the French Riviera where the lovers bid a heart-breaking farewell in soaring melodies, before Magda -- the 'swallow' of the title -- flies away.
Footage courtesy of EMI Classics - La Rondine, The Metropolitan Opera - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Puccini-rondine-Live-Met-NTSC/dp/B003Y58CLC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361188204&sr=8-3
Watch the trailer for Puccini's La bohème - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msaLn0Z5GxE
A day in the life of Principal Dancer, Edward Watson, as he prepares for one of ballet's most demanding roles, Crown Prince Rudolf. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/mayerling-by-kenneth-macmillan
On 13 June at 7.30pm Mayerling will be relayed live to our BP Big Screens. Find out more about our BP Big Screens 2013 season - http://www.roh.org.uk/about/bp-big-screens
Watch the trailer for Kenneth MacMillan's other masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=791y2sLVF_w
Verdi's dark and majestic masterpiece is a gripping tale of intrigue, rebellion, tenderness, betrayal and forgiveness. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/simon-boccanegra-by-elijah-moshinsky
Elijah Moshinsky's handsome production is inspired by Italian Renaissance art. Moments of intimacy -- such as the tender duet when Boccanegra is reunited with his daughter Amelia -- are contrasted with the stormy drama of state politics. Coursing though the opera is the hatred between Boccanegra and Fiesco, father of Boccanegra's lover Maria. The men finally make peace in Act III in a moving duet -- but has reconciliation come too late?
Principal Dancer, Nehemiah Kish, on dancing the role of Solor and working with choreographer Natalia Makarova for La Bayadère. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/la-bayadere-by-natalia-makarova
Read the news feature - http://www.roh.org.uk/news/watch-nehemiah-kish-on-la-bayadere
Marius Petipa's exotic La Bayadère was given its premiere at the Bolshoi Theatre in St Petersburg in 1877. It was regularly performed within the former Soviet Union throughout the 20th century but was almost unknown in the West until 1961, when the touring Kirov Ballet performed the famous Kingdom of the Shades scene. Natalia Makarova saw the ballet as a child in Leningrad and created this version for American Ballet Theatre in 1980.
Legendary India provides the setting for a tale of love, murder and vengeful judgement by the gods, set to a lyrical score by Ludwig Minkus. The choreography provides powerful moments for the two opposing ballerinas -- the beautiful temple dancer, Nikiya, and her jealous rival, Gamzatti -- while a bronze idol comes vividly to life in a stunning solo. La Bayadère's most frequently performed sequence is the dream-like Kingdom of the Shades, when a mesmerizing procession of ballerinas dance in unison across a moonlit stage. Opulent designs by Yolanda Sonnabend perfectly fit the ballet's fevered exoticism.
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Director Ramin Gray on The Importance of Being Earnest (The Royal Opera)
Liam Scarlett on creating the characters in Hansel and Gretel
Liam Scarlett discusses his vision for Hansel and Gretel
Royal Opera House Creative Connections
Raven Girl in rehearsal (The Royal Ballet)
Designer Jon Bausor on working in opera and ballet
Hansel and Gretel: Designing Liam Scarlett's ballet
Raven Girl - Interview with Audrey Niffenegger and Wayne McGregor
Raven Girl - What is Aquatint?
Raven Girl - Audrey Niffenegger reads from the book
Ballet Evolved - Pierina Legnani 1863-1923
Technical Theatre Apprenticeships at the Royal Opera House
Nabucco - The Royal Opera Chorus on their day job (The Royal Opera)
Plácido Domingo on Nabucco - The challenges of a new role in opera (The Royal Opera)
Nabucco - Verdi's use of the chorus (The Royal Opera)
The Art of Theatre Lighting - War Horse for The National Theatre
The Royal Opera House Apprenticeship Scheme: Scenic Metalwork, Scenic Carpentry and Scenic Art
Royal Opera House Summer Season 2013/14 film - One Extraordinary World
La donna del lago trailer (The Royal Opera)
Conductor Sir Colin Davis on Die Zauberflöte (The Royal Opera)
Angela Gheorghiu on La rondine (The Royal Opera)
Edward Watson preparing for Mayerling (The Royal Ballet)
Simon Boccanegra trailer (The Royal Opera)
Nehemiah Kish in rehearsals for La Bayadère (The Royal Ballet)
