Classical preview: Trio of operas on tour
She then described herself at a crossroads in life, her love of opera pointing her down a road that she hoped one day would take opera to those parts of England that had never seen a live performance before.
You would have been brave to place a bet on her succeeding, but Ellen Kent and Opera & Ballet International are just about to start another winter and spring tour that will take them to 38 theatres, both large and small, having over the years sold three and a half million tickets nationwide.
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Hide AdArriving at Sheffield’s City Hall (February 1 and March 22), local theatres also include Buxton Opera House (February 4); York Grand Opera House (March 1); Bradford Alhambra Theatre (March 16 and 17); and Hull New Theatre (March 27 and 28).
Always staged in a traditional setting and dress, they feature soloists mostly from Eastern Europe, together with a chorus and orchestra tailored to the size of venues on the tour.
This first half year contains three of the best known and most popular operas – Verdi’s La Traviata and Rigoletto, and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
Tickets are available now from Sheffield City Hall 0114 2789789; Buxton Opera House 01298 72190; York Grand Opera House 0844 8713024; Bradford Ahambra Theatre 01274 432000; Hull New Theatre 01482 300306.