The Eighteenth-Century Orchestra
Classical opera with a modern message
One of Mozart’s great operas, ‘Le nozze di Figaro’, gets a brand-new look. Featuring modern themes such as gender and power. Yet still performed in the traditional way: the orchestra centre-stage. Reviews showed how this thought-provoking performance by the Eighteenth Century Orchestra caused quite a stir among audiences.
The Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century (Orchestra18c) is a renowned musical ensemble, known internationally for its performances using original instruments or modern replicas thereof, including bassoons, horns and more. Orchestra18c had an ambitious plan for ‘Le nozze di Figaro’: pooling together international leading artists with a chorus full of young talent, to bring a classic into the modern world. While doing so, they would create an exciting fusion of traditional styles and contemporary themes, which included gender roles and power structures. The aim for Orchestra18c was to invite a diverse audience to reflect on how to interpret the opera’s narrative in the present day.
A new perspective
The decision to place the orchestra on stage, clearly visible and actively involved – as was customary in Mozart’s time – heightens the musical experience. Moreover, it presents a new perspective of opera as a genre. Feedback has been positive. ‘Jorinde Keesmaat’s staging is bold and imaginative in translating classic themes into a contemporary context,’ according to one review. Another noted: ‘She reveals the capriciousness and complex nature of human relationships, while retaining Mozart’s humour and playful spirit.’