Phaedra & Serenade

PHAEDRA & SERENADE Immerse yourself in the passion. A two-night première of Benjamin Britten’s small-scale epic masterpieces. Conducted by Maestro Timothy Vernon, this dynamic double-bill performance from Pacific Opera Victoria and the Victoria Symphony features mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy, tenor Colin Ainsworth, horn player Alana Despins, and musicians of the Victoria Symphony. Phaedra premieres Thursday, June 10 | 7:30PM When forbidden passion cannot stay silent, a tragic hero journeys through blame and lust on her tempestuous search for serenity. Britten’s last vocal work covers the range of a full-scale opera in 15 minutes, including “…some of the most delicate orchestration ever written." Bernard Holland, The New York Times. Phaedra is a musical ascension to annihilation. Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings premieres Friday, June 11 | 7:30PM An evocative dialogue between horn and voice guides you through the sparkling glory of day and the seeping horrors of night. Powerful music shimmers with gemstone colours as the wild, poetic splendor of nature is celebrated through this eight-movement anthology. Stream for free at victoriasymphony.ca | pacificopera.ca starting June 10. Donations gratefully accepted. PHAEDRA & SERENADE. Filmed on stage to take over your screens June 10 – July 11, 2021.