The blank canvas where artists can XL

When first reading Mansfield Park, the English composer Jonathan Dove immediately felt it would form a great subject for an opera. Then when Heritage Opera, which tours opera in English stately homes, approached Dove for a commission, he thought this would be the perfect way of staging Mansfield Park – in a large drawing room, using 10 singers accompanied simply and strikingly with piano played in duet. Working in collaboration with the librettist Alasdair Middleton, they set about adapting Jane Austen’s classic novel into a work that features a strong narrative drive and filled with impeccable vocal writing and wonderful ensembles that sparkle with style and wit.

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The work follows the story of Fanny Price, who is sent by her overburdened family at age 10 to live in the household of her wealthy aunt and uncle. It traverses through her trials and tribulations with the Bertram Family through to her marriage.

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The opera received its world premiere performance at Boughton House in Northamptonshire on July 30, 2011 and has since received numerous performances across the U.K. and United States. The work received its Australian premiere last year with the Sydney based company Operantics. 

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Now in 2017, XL Arts Inc. are proud to present performances of this wonderful work, the cast will feature the XL Arts’ developing artists in a production directed by Liane Keegan and conducted by Patrick Burns.

Join us for a little taste of the English Countryside with a slight modern twist.