Tue 25 May 2021
In the final pre-season panel event of 2021 we explore the topsy turvy humour of Gilbert and Sullivan and its vocal and theatrical demands.
With patter songs to rival Rossini and coloratura that parodies Gounod, The Pirates of Penzance is more than a simple Victorian musical comedy.
How difficult is it to pull off on stage? Mezzo soprano Yvonne Howard (Ruth), baritone Richard Burkhard (Major-General Stanley) and singer-director John Savournin (Pirate King) join Anna Picard to talk about the fractious collaboration between WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, Cornish pasties, sentiment, silliness, and the upcoming co-production between Charles Court Opera and Opera Holland Park.
Click the links below to learn the music and lyrics of ‘I am the very model of a Modern Major General’ from The Pirates of Penzance, which will feature in the panel discussion.
