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Joby Talbot's Everest

with the BBC Symphony Orchestra

,Hall
Photo of Mount Everest

The UK premiere of Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s new opera Everest: a spectacular drama of life, death and the human spirit on the roof of the world.

May 1996, and as their plans disintegrate and a blizzard closes in, four climbers confront the summit of Mount Everest – and a life-or-death choice. Based on a true story, Talbot’s opera has a contemporary setting, but an eternal theme: the limits of human courage, and the unbreakable power of nature.

In this semi-staged version, atmospheric visual projections take you into the freezing heart of a raging storm as the ‘musically stunning and cinematically thrilling’ (Dallas Observer) story unfolds. ‘Gripping, edge of your seat story-telling’ wrote one US critic after its premiere in 2015. ‘If you want to see where opera is headed in the 21st-century, don't miss this production.’

Tagged with: Classical music Barbican Presents BBC Symphony Orchestra More...

This performance will finish at approximately 9pm, with no interval

 

This performance contains strong language. 

Upon entry to the Hall there is a video simulation of static projected on the walls of the venue, including flickering images, which might affect customers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or migraines. This projection is used as customers take their seats and during approximately the first two minutes of music. It will not be used in the performance after that point.

Co-produced by the Barbican and BBC Symphony Orchestra

Programme

Everest (UK premiere) (lib Gene Scheer)

Please note the Everest Prelude will no longer be performed as previously advertised. 

Performers

BBC Symphony Orchestra
Nicole Paiement conductor
Leonard Foglia director
Kristen Barrett revival director
Elaine J McCarthy projection designer
David Woolard costume designer
Daniel Okulitch Beck
Craig Verm Doug
Siân Griffiths* Jan
Andrew Bidlack Rob
Matilda McDonald Meg
Jimmy Holliday Guy
BBC Singers

*Veronika Haller is unable to perform due to illness. We are grateful to Siân Griffiths for agreeing to take on the role of Jan Arnold at very short notice.

Digital programme

Photo of Mount Everest

Everest

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest. Since then, thousands have emulated that landmark feat. Tonight we hear the story of a fateful expedition that became one of the worst disasters in the mountain’s history.

Read the programme

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