I have had a couple of days based in London but return to Chicago tomorrow. Today has been a wonderful last dalliance with the place, and a full one too.
This morning was spent at the English National Opera where they had the dress rehearsal of L'amour de loin. This wonderful piece was first given in Salzburg and was then seen in Santa Fe and elsewhere. For the audience it requires some thoughtful advance preparation, and is a deeply moving opera. And the ENO have put together a remarkable team led by director/lighting designer/choreographer Daniele Finzi Pasca. This is opening on Friday and is not to be missed. There are images of magical beauty and performances by Roderick Williams and Joan Rogers which you will not quickly forget. Altogether unlike anything that you may have seen before. I was spellbound. My Chicago friends will be wise to go in their droves to Toronto when this show appears there in 2012.
And then I spent the afternoon with my colleague from the Canadian Opera Company, its General Director Alexander Neef, here as a co producer with ENO of L'amour de loin, and also to hear some of the many singers on the British market. We shared the time and space at the ever hospitable Royal Opera House.
I will try to get the first flight to Chicago tomorrow rather than wait for the one I am booked on. So an early start from here at 5.30 am. So a relatively early night for me although it is already 11.10 pm
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