I Capuleti e i Montecchi - Bellini

Microscopera, a new young opera performance group, take on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. I Capuleti e i Montecchi is Bellini's version of the story which focusses on Romeo's dark side and Giulietta's sense of duty and honour to her family. It is a tale of heartbreak, fedelity and violence, one which really challenges our perception of what it is to make the 'right' choice. Bellini's decision to make Romeo a trouser role (played by a female Mezzo-Soprano) adds a new dimension of youthfulness and playfulness to his character. Having Romeo sing in the range of Giulietta and away from the other three male characters sets them apart from the men and binds them together. The traditional dark Tybalt character doesn't exist here, instead replaced by the achingly loyal and morally golden Tebaldo (no longer a cousin) who is engaged to Giulietta. Furthermore, in a battle before the opera begins, Romeo has killed Giulietta's brother, Capellio's only son, adding yet another facet to this dark tale.

Dreamt up by Sopranos Olivia Doutney and Susanna MacRae and joined for this production by young singers from London, Dorset and Indonesia, Microscopera want to revitalise opera and bring it to new audiences. We do this by focusing on the relationships between characters and magnifying them in unusual ways that haven't been explored before. We want our audience to choose a side, are you a Montague or a Capulet? Can you empathise with the choice between lust and honour that Giulietta must face? Can you understand Romeo's motives? Or do you feel pity for the loving and ever loyal Tebaldo?

For this production, Microscopera draws professional singers from the London, German, Welsh and Scottish Conservatoires making music to the highest standard and collaborating with musicians who are top of their field.