Early Opera Company’s performance of Rameau Platée at St John’s Smith Square on 20 November 2014 will be guest conducted by Paul Agnew, as Christian Curnyn is unwell.
Paul Agnew has an in-depth knowledge of this comic opera having conducted it with Les Arts Florissants in productions at Theater an der Wien, the Opéra Comique, Paris and at Lincoln Center, New York, as well as having sung and recorded the title role.
This performance marks the start of a new relationship between Early Opera Company and St John’s Smith Square, with further performances planned for 2015/2016.
Richard Heason, Director of St John’s Smith Square, writes ‘Whilst I am naturally sorry that Christian Curnyn will be unable to conduct the Early Opera Company at St John’s Smith Square this month, I am very excited as we look ahead into 2015 and beyond about the range of projects Christian and I have already discussed. Early Opera Company is a natural partner for the Baroque splendour of St John’s and we look forward with great anticipation to further performances in the coming seasons. We are also incredibly lucky that Paul Agnew is available and able to be with us for the Rameau performance. Paul is a fabulous musician, both as a singer and a conductor, and his experience and mastery of the French Baroque repertoire promises an evening of tremendous flair and integrity.’
