Farcical and glorious opera at Solstice

Lively and vivacious, a dramatic re-imagining of Donizetti's comic masterpiece 'Don Pasquale' is brought bang up to date by innovative director Annilese Miskimmon. 2011 is Opera Theatre Company's (OTC) 25th anniversary and the company is celebrating a quarter of a century as Ireland's national touring opera company with this exciting new production 'Pasquale' at Solstice Arts Centre, Navan on Saturday next, 5th March. The powerful cast includes familiar OTC favourites, with Martin Higgins as Don Pasquale, young Irish soprano Claudia Boyle playing Norina, together with new OTC young associate artist Nathan Morrison and talented baritone Andrew Ashwin. Don Pasquale, the foolish old banker, is outraged by his nephew's involvement with the beautiful but notorious widow Norina. As a result he threatens to disinherit his nephew. This action triggers much mayhem and madness, as plots and counterplots are hatched, while subterfuge and disguises abound. Donizetti's farcical world of glorious arias and delightful melodies are performed by Opera Theatre Company's nine piece chamber ensemble under Belfast conductor Roy Laughlin. Brimming with lyricism and high comedy this effervescent opera has something for everyone, with themes that still resonate today. OTS's future plans for 2011 include an international tour of Frid's 'The Diary of Anne Frank' (supported by Culture Ireland) and a national tour of Berg's 'Wozzeck'. Tickets are €22 full price and €18 concession rate, available from Solstice Box Office on (046) 909 2300 or on the website at www.solsticeartscentre.ie