SWALLOW SINGS OPERA: DUKE BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE BY BÉLA BARTÓK

St. James is excited to present its new series of Opera, in partnership with The London Singers Collective and proudly sponsored by The Swallow Charitable Trust.
The series will give us the opportunity to delve deep into each opera, with an evening of conversation followed by a full opera presented as a chamber music performance (no props, no costumes, approx. 1 hour). In 2026 we explore the work of Béla Bartók and Handel followed by Teleman and Pergolesi in 2027.

The evening includes a talk by Jessica Duchen in the first half, followed by the chamber music performance of Duke Bluebeard’s Castle by Julian Debreuil (bass-baritone), Catherine Backhouse (mezzo-soprano) and William Vann(Piano), all members of the London Singers’ Collective.

The Opera:
Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a one-act Symbolist opera by Hungarian composer Béla Bartók, with a libretto by Béla Balázs. It tells the story of Bluebeard and his new wife, Judith, who enters his dark castle and is terrified to discover the secrets hidden behind seven locked doors. The opera, considered a masterpiece, is a psychological drama about hidden secrets and inner darkness, and was first performed in Budapest in 1918.

The Swallow Sings Opera Series is kindly sponsored by The Swallow Charitable Trust.

Doors: 6.30pm | Music: 7.30pm