Opera on 3 - Britten's Peter Grimes

The final offering from Opera on 3 before the Proms, this English National Opera Peter Grimes was the hot ticket of the season. Sold out for its entire run, David Alden's production wowed critics and audiences alike with its unconventional but powerful take on Britten's music drama, set at the time of its premiere - postwar Britain. The cast that inspired this adulation included Amanda Roocroft as Ellen Orford, Gerald Finley as Captain Balstrode and Australian tenor Stuart Skelton in the epic title role - a compelling interpretation of the misunderstood outsider, victim of his own weaknesses and contradictions, at once unstable and unpredictable, visionary and violent. Edward Gardiner conducts an orchestra and chorus on top form in an unforgettable operatic experience. Presented by Martin Handley. Peter Grimes ...... Stuart Skelton (tenor) Ellen Orford ...... Amanda Roocroft (soprano) Captain Balstrode ...... Gerald Finley (bass-baritone) Auntie ...... Rebecca de Pont Davies (soprano) First niece ...... Gillian Ramm (soprano) Second niece ...... Mairéad Buicke (soprano) Bob Boles ...... Michael Colvin (tenor) Swallow ...... Matthew Best (bass) Mrs Sedley ...... Felicity Palmer (mezzo) Rev Horace ...... Stuart Kale (tenor) Ned Keene ...... Leigh Melrose (baritone) Hobson ...... Darren Jeffery (bass) English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra Edward Gardner (conductor).