sun 06/10/2024

The Seckerson Tapes: Sarah Connolly Interview | reviews, news & interviews

The Seckerson Tapes: Sarah Connolly Interview

The Seckerson Tapes: Sarah Connolly Interview

Acclaimed mezzo stars in Opera North's new production of Maria Stuarda

Acclaimed British mezzo Sarah Connolly

Acclaimed British mezzo Sarah Connolly prepares for the title role in Donizetti's battle royal of rival queens Maria Stuarda. Her return to Opera North in the bel cantorole of her choice will be one of the highlights of the UK opera season and in this revealing podcast she gives fascinating insight into her extensive preparation and "anatomisation" of the roles she performs - right down to the fine detailing here of Mary's temperament and bearing, and even her height.

What is going through her head in the moments before the "confrontation" which in reality never actually took place? What finally provoked her in the moment she floors Elizabeth I with her "royal bastard" insult? And what must have she been feeling as they built the scaffold outside her prison room at Fotheringay Castle? Connolly leaves nothing unexplored. The inside of her score is a written chronicle of what is required to get inside Mary's head...before she loses it.

Acclaimed British mezzo Sarah Connolly prepares for the title role in Donizetti's battle royal of rival queens Maria Stuarda. Her return to Opera North in the bel cantorole of her choice will be one of the highlights of the UK opera season and in this revealing podcast she gives fascinating insight into her extensive preparation and "anatomisation" of the roles she performs - right down to the fine detailing here of Mary's temperament and bearing, and even her height.

What is going through her head in the moments before the "confrontation" which in reality never actually took place? What finally provoked her in the moment she floors Elizabeth I with her "royal bastard" insult? And what must have she been feeling as they built the scaffold outside her prison room at Fotheringay Castle? Connolly leaves nothing unexplored. The inside of her score is a written chronicle of what is required to get inside Mary's head...before she loses it.

Share this article

Add comment

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

newsletter

Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday!

Simply enter your email address in the box below

View previous newsletters