What's On

Friday 18 October 2024, 7pm

English Touring Opera: Blond Eckbert Double Bill

English Touring Opera: Blond Eckbert Double Bill

Presented by Saffron Hall in association with English Touring Opera

Judith Weir’s Blond Eckbert is a haunting tale of isolation and enigma, based on a supernatural short story by the Romantic author Ludwig Tieck and presented in a new production directed by Robin Norton-Hale and conducted by ETO Music Director, Gerry Cornelius. Eckbert and Berthe live a life of quiet solitude in their forest home, but an unexpected visit from an old friend sets in motion a series of revelations and mysteries. As dark secrets surface, Eckbert suspects his world is far stranger than it first appeared, and that the past is maybe best left buried

★★★★ 'This cast and creative team have produced a show with great thought and impact.' - Opera Now

★★★★ 'A terrific sense of unease in this psychological thriller.' - The Times

★★★★ 'The dream-like narrative is anchored by strong vocal performances.' - The Telegraph

Blond Eckbert is performed alongside Do not take my story for a fairytale, a staging of song cycles and cantatas exploring love, isolation and the terrible wonder of the natural world. Featuring music from the same period that Tieck’s story Der Blonde Eckbert was written, by composers including Beethoven, Haydn and Martines, Do not take my story for a fairytale explores the shaping of the Romantic imagination, with its intense emotional responses to nature. It will be performed in an arrangement for period-instrument chamber ensemble and by soprano Abigail Kelly, mezzo Amy J Payne, tenor and 2024 Kathleen Ferrier Award-winner Matthew McKinney and baritone Mark Nathan.

Video

Supporters

This performance is made possible by a Circle of Supporters

Performance information

Running time

2 hours 10 minutes

Content warnings

Age Guidance 12+

This event is not recommended for children under 12 years old

Booking information

Seating style

This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating

Discounts

Under 25s can purchase half price tickets for this show.

Transport

Shuttle bus

Pre-show shuttle bus will be operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance

More info

Programme and performers

Programme

  • Judith Weir Blond Eckbert
  • Do not take my story for a fairytale

Become a member

Your generosity helps us to inspire people through our international-standard performances and innovative participatory activities. Here’s how you can support us.

Courtney Pine and Jane Richardson

Information for your visit

Friday 18 October 2024, 7pm

Schedule

All timings are approximate and will be updated closer to the show date. Please check the website on the day of the performance for up-to-date information.

Latecomers can usually be admitted at a suitable gap within the performance.

Pre-show shuttle bus

5.30pm - 7pm
Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.

When to arrive

5.45pm - 6.45pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.

Foyer opens

5.45pm
Our bar will be open from 6pm

Pre-concert talk

6pm - 6.30pm
Ticket holders are invited to attend a free pre-concert talk.

Show starts

7pm

Interval

30 minute interval

Show ends

9.10pm (approx)

Post-show shuttle bus

9.10pm – 10.10pm
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station

Content warnings

Age Guidance 12+

This event is not recommended for children under 12 years old

Location

Saffron Hall

Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

Transport

Shuttle bus

Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
More info

Additional information

Cloakroom

We are unable to allow any bags into the performance space which are larger than a hand bag or small backpack. Unfortunately our cloakroom will not be in operation.

Can't find your e-tickets?

Log in here to download your e-ticket from our website

Exterior of Saffron Hall showing the Saffron Walden County High School and Saffron Hall signs next to each other

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know about visiting Saffron Hall including getting here, parking, the shuttle bus and more
Light floods through the windows of the auditorium on to the blue theatre seats

Accessibility

Find out about our accessible seating and how to book either online, via email or over the phone
Saffron Hall car park full of cars

Parking

We have over 400 free parking spaces on site for our visitors

Related shows

See all

Uprising

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 March 2025, multiple performance times
Jonathan Dove’s new opera looks at the climate emergency through the eyes of those whom it will affect the most

Peter Grimes

Saturday 5 July 2025, 4pm
With Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus