A new opera by Calne composer Brett Dean has received a rapturous reception at its world premiere in Munich.
Dean, who is Patron of the Calne Music & Arts Festival, premiered Of One Blood at the Bavarian State Opera House on Sunday 10th May, with audience members describing sustained applause and multiple curtain calls at the end of the performance.
Among those attending was John Boaler, Chairman of the Calne Music & Arts Festival, who travelled to Germany for the premiere.
He said: “It was a wonderful and memorable evening.”
The opera tells the story of Queen Elizabeth I and her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, exploring their political rivalry, personal tensions and eventual tragedy through a libretto written by Dean’s wife, Heather Betts, with assistance from Calne artist Helen Simmonds.
Although the two queens never met, the production draws heavily on their surviving correspondence and historical writings.
Mr Boaler said: “The libretto is largely based on their own words taken from their letters, and the language is rich and poetic, sometimes almost Shakespearean.
“The opera tells a story of political rivalry, intrigue and psychological drama.”
He described Dean’s score as “evocative”, saying the music for large orchestra was enhanced by atmospheric soundscapes including “that of a quill writing on parchment as the two queens exchange letters”.
The production was staged at the Bayerische Staatsoper, regarded as one of Europe’s leading opera houses, and the venue was packed for the opening night performance.
Mr Boaler added: “The spectacle and the music are gripping.”
At the end of the performance, Dean and Heather Betts were both called onto the stage during the curtain calls following prolonged applause from the audience.
The opera has been co-commissioned by several international companies including the Bayerische Staatsoper, Garsington Opera, The Santa Fe Opera and State Opera South Australia. It is due to receive its UK premiere in 2028.
Dean, a former violist with the Berlin Philharmonic, has remained closely involved in Calne’s cultural life through the Calne Music & Arts Festival, where he and Heather Betts regularly perform and organise chamber music events.
