Newsletter, September 2026
Dear Friends and Supporters
A brief post-Carmen update of news from Devon Opera. First of all a big “THANK YOU!” to everyone who supported our production of Carmen at the Northcott. Tickets sold well on both nights and if you visit the website (just tap in Devon Opera) you will see we received many plaudits, added to which we were reviewed in Opera and Stage Talk magazines. To be reviewed by Opera is an accolade of itself. In addition to praise for the cast I was particularly delighted that Anna and Pavel, our Artistic and Music Directors were recognised for the…..”well thought out essays by them both…included in the printed programme”. They were so informative and well worth reading.
Other quotes include, from Stage Talk…. “Pavel Timofeyevsky achieved a tour de force with his six strong ensemble, with him at the piano and conducting”
“The quality of the voices was notable..the deep mezzo tones of Emma Roberts….the sweetness of soprano Catherine Hooper… Matthew Curtis’s beautiful tenor…and the standout in every way was Tim Alexander as Escamillo the bullfighter…..
From Opera magazine, “The exploitation [of the roles] of the four children was a masterstroke…they performed so well with their acting and singing..”
“Pavel Timofeyevsky [was] a very sensitive animator of his excellent band, using a wide range of changes of tempos, accelerandos and many very soft moments.”
The inaugural Crunchie Munchie Lunch (CML) took place at the charming Hotel Endsleigh on 7th September. Beautifully organised by our Vice Patron and Vice Chair of Trustees, Fiona Walters, it proved an outstanding success! The format of welcome coffee and delicious biscuits, lecture and lunch proved a winner and was clearly enjoyed by all. Anna and Pavel engaged their audience with their behind the scenes description of just what goes into producing an opera of the scale of Carmen. Plans are already in hand for future CML’s, exclusively for for our Friends and Supporters, so watch this space.
“Behind the Scenes” work is also in hand for Devon Opera’s production for 2027 and beyond. Anna and Pavel are considering three possibilities for the main production which is likely to be held in September. More details will be shared with you in the next newsletter, together with updates on the venue, which opera has been decided on, audition dates and the budget. There will also be news of progress with our ”O” is for Opera project. Exciting times!
With thanks again for your support
Anne Foreman (Chair of Trustees)
September 2026