Tonight marks la prima of Benjamin Britten's Death in Venice at the London Coliseum, the first ever English National Opera staging of Britten's last opera (with Ian Bostridge in the lead) with direction by Deborah Warner. Conducting is the 32-year-old maestro Edward Gardner in his highly anticipated debut as ENO's new Music Director (he did a lovely Così fan tutte for the rumored-to-be-slightly-endangered ENO last season while he was still Music Director "Designate" from March 2006, and has only held official title of Music Director starting this month).
Resume-builders (aside from being marginally adorable) include Music Director of Glyndebourne On Tour, and a Young Artists Award by the Royal Philharmonic Society, which puts him in good running with the new generation of talented young conductors (Ticciati, Dudamel, et al).
Word has it that Ian Bostridge as Aschenbach is in great form for this new production. Dramatically lit, there is much play of light and shadow, with nonspecific scenery that isn’t terribly evocative of Venice, focusing rather on the pathos/drama. Gardner marks high with a light touch at the podium. yay for everyone!