Opera Differently - "Macbeth" by Giuseppe Verdi

In "Opera Differently," Richard Vardigans presents masterpieces of operatic literature without singers, orchestra, or stage design - armed with profound knowledge, pianistic virtuosity, and his distinctive English humour. The audience laughs, cries, and comes to understand not only the sometimes absurd plots, but also the hidden musical connections.

Born in England, he studied piano, violin, and flute in London and Birmingham, then conducting as a DAAD scholar at the Hochschule der Künste Berlin and at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, where he was a master student of Franco Ferrara. For over 35 years he has worked as a pianist, conductor, and lecturer, most recently as general music director of Erzgebirgische Theater und Orchester GmbH. In addition to CD and studio recordings for the BBC and Dutch Radio, he has been giving concert and opera introductions in various languages for many years, where proximity to the audience is paramount.

The programme features "Macbeth" by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901): witches kindle the ambitions of the Scottish general Macbeth to seize power in the land through their prophecies - but even more than the witches, his wife drives him to murderous deeds. Both descend into madness and pay for it with their lives.