Donizetti's Pasqual€ To Show In Downpatrick

Opera Theatre Company, Ireland’s National Touring Opera Company in Association with Downe Promotions presents Donizetti’s PASQUAL€ in the Great Hall at the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick on Thursday 24th February at 8pm. This is the only performance of PASQUAL€ to be staged in Northern Ireland Lively and vivacious, this dramatic re-imagining of Donizetti’s comic masterpiece Don Pasquale is brought bang up-to-date by innovative Belfast  director Annilese Miskimmon. 2011 is Opera Theatre Company’s (OTC) 25th anniversary and the Company is delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate a quarter of a century as Ireland’s National Touring Opera Company with this exciting new production. Immerse yourself in Donizetti’s farcical world and enjoy glorious arias and delightful melodies performed by Opera Theatre Company’s nine piece chamber ensemble under Belfast conductor Roy Laughlin. Brimming with lyricism and high comedy this effervescent opera has something for everyone, with themes that still resonate today. The powerful cast includes familiar OTC favourites, with Martin Higgins (The Marriage of Figaro 2010 & The Barber of Seville 2008) as Don Pasquale, young Irish soprano Claudia Boyle (Bastien & Bastienne 2009) playing Norina, together with new OTC Young Associate Artist Nathan Morrison and talented baritone Andrew Ashwin. The action commences as Don Pasquale, the foolish old banker, is outraged by his nephew’s involvement with the beautiful but notorious widow Norina. As a result he threatens to disinherit his nephew. This action triggers much mayhem and madness, as plots and counterplots are hatched, while subterfuge and disguises abound. Opera Theatre Company would like to thank all its friends and patrons for their support over the years and would especially like to acknowledge the Arts Council for making this production possible. Future plans for 2011 include an international tour of Frid’s The Diary of Anne Frank (supported by Culture Ireland) and a national tour of Berg’s Wozzeck. The Great Hall Downpatrick on Thurs 24th February at 8pm Tickets  £15. Phone the Box Office 028 4461 2233.]]>