An image of a large bird with an arrow in its head carrying large stones in its beak and talons, set against a yellow background.
An image of a large bird with an arrow in its head carrying large stones in its beak and talons, set against a yellow background.

Blond Eckbert Double Bill

English Touring Opera 5 Oct, 7:30pm

About Blond Eckbert Double Bill

Judith Weir’s Blond Eckbert is a haunting tale of isolation and guilt, based on a supernatural short story by the Romantic author Ludwig Tieck and presented in a new co-production with Britten Pears Arts. 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.

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 Ludwig Tieck’s story, Der Blonde Eckbert, was written, including Schubert's Prometheus and Beethoven's An die ferne Gelibte as well as a cantata by Mariana Martines, Do not take my story for a fairytale explores the shaping of the Romantic imagination.

It will be performed by a period-instrument chamber ensemble and soprano Abigail Kelly, mezzo Amy J Payne, tenor and 2024 Kathleen Ferrier Award-winner Matthew McKinney and baritone Mark Nathan.

This double bill is helmed by ETO General Director Robin Norton Hale and Music Director Gerry Cornelius, with designs by the Linbury Prize-winning Eleanor Bull.

Book tickets for Blond Eckbert Pre-Show Talk here.

Multibuy: Book Standard tickets for both shows in the autumn season and get 20% off. Book The Snowmaiden here.

Presented by English Touring Opera.

Image gallery

Two cast members sit together on chairs in a room of a house, whilst a third cast member hides round the corner looking worried.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
One cast member kneels looking up at the sky whilst a second wearing a white vest and trousers stares at him from behind.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
A figure wearing yellow with black hair sits on top of the set whilst you can see the shows of a figure behind a curtain.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
One cast member wearing a white shirt and trousers and holding a torch, with the illuminated shadows of other people against the back wall.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
One cast member wearing blue trousers and a blouse stands within a room of a house clutching their chest whilst a second cast member in a white vest and trousers crouches on the ground outside.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
A figure dressed in yellow with black hair sits on the top of part of the stage staring down.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
On one half of the screen three cast members pose inside a room together whilst a figure in yellow is on the other side holding onto a tree.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
One cast member stands in between trees looking up at the sky.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
Two cast members of Blond Eckbert. One is kneeling on the ground holding the hands of another who is wearing a long coat and hat.
Blond Eckbert Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
4 Stars

"A terrific sense of unease in this psychological thriller"

The Times

4 Stars

"A deliciously disturbing fairy-tale"

The Telegraph

4 Stars

"The cast showcased vocal prowess with impeccable musicality and intonation"

Opera Now

Contact list of staff members

  • Robin Norton-Hale

    Role
    Director

  • Gerry Cornelius

    Role
    Conductor

  • Eleanor Bull

    Role
    Designer

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