Castor and Pollux by Rameau, Od (2022/2022), Režija: Guido Martin-Brandis,, Dirigent Jonathan Williams, The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, United Kingdom

Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) is the leading French contemporary of Bach, Handel and Vivaldi, and his 30 lavish stage works composed for the Paris of Louis XV place him among the top three opera composers of the eighteenth century. The live performance was the very first chance in the UK to hear his Castor et Pollux in its original and revolutionary version of 1737 – this opera has something for everyone to enjoy: rousing choruses, toe-tapping dances and some of Baroque music’s most beautiful arias. Castor et Pollux has been reconstructed by Oxford conductor Jonathan Williams whose previous Rameau performances with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and English Touring Opera have been so enjoyed by Oxford audiences. Giving this performance are the Rameau Project Choir and Orchestra and a starry cast which includes Hilary Cronin (double winner of the 2021 Handel Singing Competition) and renowned baritone Peter Harvey. The production also gave a platform to rising stars within opera to showcase their talents so taking on the role of Castor is Rory Carver and the role of Pollux will be sung by Jack Lawrence-Jones.