The world premiere of Colin Matthews’ first opera, with a libretto by William Boyd, based on an intriguing Chekhov short story.

Four lead characters are rehearsing for the first performance of a recently discovered opera with a libretto written by Chekhov. Two women are both in love with a man who cannot commit himself, and during rehearsals their relationships begin to mirror the characters they are playing...

A Visit to Friends is an opera about love. Or, more accurately, about love’s frustrations. Drawing on Anton Chekhov’s short story and William Boyd’s Chekhovian play LONGING, Colin Matthews’ opera (with libretto by William Boyd) is, beguilingly, an opera within an opera, with music strongly influenced by Scriabin.

Sung in English with English surtitles.

Download programme notes.

Edward Hawkins Gregor
Lotte Betts-Dean Varia, Vanessa
Gary Matthewman Chris
Susanna Hurrell Nadia, Natalie
Marcus Farnsworth Misha, Marcus
Shosty Chekhov’s Dog

Colin Matthews composer
William Boyd libretto

Jessica Cottis conductor
Rachael Hewer director
Leanne Vandenbussche designer
Danny Vavrečka lighting designer
Sasha Balmazi-Owen video designer
Christina Fulcher choreographer, intimacy co-ordinator

William Cole assistant conductor
Jaz Manville assistant director
Elaine Chiang design assistant
Berrak Dyer repetiteur

Aurora Orchestra

Bonnie Poole company stage manager
Vicky Eames deputy stage manager
Jo Papanastassiou assistant stage manager
Ellen Swailes assistant stage manager

Ryan Watson production manager
Oakey Hand production manager
Justin Goad lighting programmer
Tom Taylor video engineer
Amanda MacLeod surtitles
Lou Platt artist wellbeing practitioner

Magdalena Seyfried costume supervisor
Anna Marchitelli head of wardrobe
Timm Joy dresser
Fran Straker head of make-up and hair
Emaleigh Summers assistant hair stylist

Richard Hubert-Smith production photography

Mark-Anthony Turnage dog handler
Susan Hewer dog handler
Ian Hewer dog handler