TALES Of Love And Passion, York Opera’s evening of four opera excerpts, will be staged at the National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate, York, on May 16 and 17 at 7.30pm.

Taking part will be several of York Opera’s younger soloists, some of them singing operatic roles for the first time. Most have had experience of performing solo parts in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, wherein they have become accustomed to the vocal range and style of singing to equip them for the vocally more demanding roles of opera.

The lyric soprano role of Mary in Hugh The Drover will be sung by Annabel van Griethuysen with Alexander Davison in the lyric tenor role of Hugh.

York Press:

Annabel van Griethuysen, as Mary, and Alex Davison, as Hugh, in Hugh The Drover

For the 19th century Italian repertoire, Helen Eckersall and Elizabeth Vile are Musetta and Mimi in the 2nd Act of La Boheme and Jenny Jones is Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana.

The title role of Eugene Onegin in Tchaikovsky’s opera will be sung by Alex Holland and fellow baritones Anthony Gardner (Alfio), Pierre van Griethuysen (Colline) and Gareth Rees (Schaunard) will feature in the aforementioned Italian operas.

Singing alongside them will be many of York Opera’s most experienced soloists, all making for both a feast of opera and an introduction for newcomers. Tickets are available on 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk