English Touring Opera’s Spring 2012 national tour opens at Hackney Empire on Thursday 8th March 2012

Kezia Bienek, who is a member of the chorus of Eugene Onegin.

From March 8th to 10th, English Touring Opera visits Hackney Empire with two much-loved operas, and a young Hackney singer as part of the cast.

Dalston-based soprano Kezia Bienek has been working at the Empire as an usher and stage-door supervisor during the theatre’s famous panto season. She now makes her ETO debut as part of the chorus of Eugene Onegin, one of Tchaikovsky’s best-known operas.

Looking forward to joining ETO on tour, Kezia Bienek said, 'I'm delighted to be joining ETO for their Spring tour 2012. Having lived in Hackney for over 4 years and more recently working at the Hackney Empire as part of the front of house team, I'm especially excited about kicking off the tour here and getting to perform on the stage of such a historical theatre - in the heart of a community who really cherish this venue. I hope ETO continues to bring opera to Hackney for years to come.'

As in previous years, ETO’s national Spring tour opens at Hackney Empire. It features a
new production of Rossini’s comedy The Barber of Seville and a revival of the Tchaikovsky
favourite Eugene Onegin (last performed at Hackney Empire by ETO in 2007). Both operas
are performed in English with a live orchestra and in lavish period costume.

Set in 17th century Seville, The Barber of Seville tells the story of Rosina and Count Almaviva, a pair of young lovers who, with the help of Figaro, outwit Rosina’s guardian – Doctor Bartolo. The opera is based on a play by French writer Philippe Beaumarchais, whose famous ‘Figaro’ plays also inspired Mozart to pen The Marriage of Figaro. Conducted by Paul McGrath and directed by Thomas Guthrie, The Barber of Seville features Kathleen Ferrier Award Winner Kitty Whately in the role of Rosina alongside Nicholas Sharratt as Count Almaviva.

The Barber of Seville opens at Hackney Empire, London on Thursday 8 March, 7.30pm, with a second performance on Saturday 10th March, 7.30pm.

Eugene Onegin is a romantic opera based on a story by Russian author Alexander Pushkin. Set in 19th century St Petersburg, Eugene Onegin features grand ballroom scenes and a dramatic duel to the death. Directing the opera is ETO’s General Director James Conway with ETO’s Music Director, Michael Rosewell – who conducts ETO’s 32-piece orchestra. Emerging star Nicholas Lester takes the title role of Onegin. Joining him, in the role of Tatyana, is Welsh soprano Sarah-Jane Davies (who represented Wales at BBC Cardiff Singer of the World).

Eugene Onegin opens at Hackney Empire, London on Friday 9 March 7.30pm.

Booking information for both operas can be found at www.englishtouringopera.org.uk