The Dragon of Wantley

In the organizer's words:

Program:
John Frederick Lampe: "The Dragon of Wantley" (semi-staged performance)

The Boston Early Music Festival (BEMF), North America's leading early music institution, has rescued another baroque opera from oblivion: "The Dragon of Wantley". The story revolves around the laird Moore of Moore Hall, who is tasked with defending the town of Wantley from a fearsome dragon. The composer, probably born Johann Friedrich Lampe in Braunschweig in 1703, came to England in 1724 as a bassoonist, where he quickly became known in the theater world. "The Dragon of Wantley", first performed at the Haymarket Theatre in 1737, is a satirical work that parodies the excesses and pompous conventions of Handel's operas performed in London with razor-sharp wit. Its great success sealed Handel's end as an opera composer and the hilarious piece of entertainment became the most popular opera production of the 18th century in England with a 45-year run. With an excellent sense of comedy and timing, five costumed singers, two dancers and the BEMF chamber ensemble breathe new life into the burlesque farce in Gilbert Blin's production - Monty Python meets Handel!

Teresa Wakim Margery
Hannah De Priest Mauxalinda
Aaron Sheehan Moore
Douglas Ray Williams Gubbins
John Taylor Ward Dragon
BEMF Chamber Ensemble
BEMF Dance Company
Gilbert Blin Director
Stephen Stubbs and Paul O'Dette theorbo, baroque guitar and conductor

Price information:

€ 50 / 40 / 30 / 20 (20% discount)