Judith's Castle

We passionately believe that age is not a barrier to creativity and invention.

Theatre of Sound, together with Live Music Now and the London Sinfonietta present two special events at Stone Nest in London alongside their exciting new production of Béla Bartok’s opera Bluebeard’s Castle this November.

Usually presented as a Gothic horror story centred around an abusive relationship, Theatre of Sound’s new, fully staged presentation of Bartok’s only opera reimagines the piece as a love story between a long married couple coming to terms with living with dementia.

Inspired by the themes of this reimagining of the opera, award-winning composer Electra Perivolaris has worked with families living with dementia, creating new pieces of music drawn from their stories, experiences and musical memories. These works will have their world premieres this autumn, on 6^th and again on 13^th November, in relaxed performances on the set of the opera at Stone Nest – the stunning former Welsh chapel in the heart of London’s West End. Musicians from the London Sinfonietta and Live Music Now, with renowned singers Gweneth Ann Rand and Michael Mayes, will be conducted by the composer.

The concerts will also include reflections and insights from Julian West - a leading expert in the field of dementia and music research, poetry readings by actor Kevin Whately and the performances will end with an opportunity for a dialogue between the audience and performers to discuss the role music can play to improve the lives of those living with dementia.

Thanks to generous support from the Sir Vernon Ellis Foundation, we are able to make these unique events free of charge to all.

These two relaxed, informal performances will last approximately 45 minutes

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Stone Nest is an old building and unfortunately cannot currently accommodate electric wheelchairs. We can accommodate manually operated wheelchairs via a temporary ramp; please let us know that you are a wheelchair user when booking and whether a Companion will be accompanying you via the email theatreofsound2020@gmail.com and we will arrange a Companion ticket for you.

Entrance is via the Shaftesbury Avenue entrance

There are no cloakroom facilities at Stone Nest, so please avoid bringing large bags to the performances. Comfortable footwear and warm clothing is recommended!