Revel in Berlioz’s sparkling adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, featuring a stellar cast for a One-Night-Only concert performance.
National Concert Hall, Dublin – Tuesday 1 October 2024
In a time when love is often pursued through texts, tweets, and swipes, Beatrice & Benedict reminds us that the art of romance is ageless. They are best enemies, more than just verbal sparring partners, Beatrice and Benedict love to quarrel, needle and sling insults. Their battle of wits, drawn from Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, echoes the playful complexities of modern relationships, where humour often disguises true feelings. Irish National Opera presents a concert performance of Berlioz’s Beatrice & Benedict for one night only in the National Concert Hall on Tuesday 1 October.
Berlioz’s score combines masterful orchestration and lyricism with brisk tempos and a light, lively touch that captures the essence of Shakespearean comedy. This concert performance features a stellar cast of internationally acclaimed artists, each bringing their unique talents to the stage. Irish mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy, celebrated for her powerful and nuanced portrayals in productions from the Metropolitan Opera to Covent Garden, leads as Beatrice, while the charismatic tenor David Portillo brings his refined vocal artistry to the role of Benedict.
Soprano Anna Devin, renowned for her impeccable style and vocal brilliance, graces the stage alongside mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, whose vibrant voice has captivated audiences across Europe. Baritone Paul Grant and bass-baritone Padraic Rowan complete this exceptional ensemble, ensuring a concert performance of the highest calibre. Under the dynamic baton of Ryan McAdams, conductor of INO and Landmark productions’ FEDORA-Generali Prize-winning opera The Second Violinist, the Irish National Opera Orchestra breathes life into Berlioz’s sparkling score, delivering an unforgettable performance that resonates with both humour and heart.
