Venus & Adonis: A Chamber Weekender Opera

John Blow (1649-1708) Venus and Adonis “A Masque for the Entertainment of the King”, directed by Scott Inglis-Kidger

Desire, pursuit, and a fatal misjudgement: when Venus urges her lover to prove himself in the hunt, a fleeting moment of bravado sets in motion one of mythology’s most devastating endings. In this compact but beautifully crafted opera, love and loss unfold with striking directness.  Across the weekend, we’ll explore this English Baroque opera in a collaborative format designed for confident singers craving something different.  All roles are shared: no one sings alone, and solo moments are taken together in duets and small ensembles, creating a supportive and immersive experience for everyone involved.  Our time together will combine focused rehearsal of each scene with light staging and thoughtfully shaped blocking (no extensive physical movement required), making use of different spaces within the church. The weekend will culminate in an informal performance to which friends and family are warmly invited, followed by a celebratory glass of fizz.