“Albert Herring” was premiered on 20 June 1947 in Glyndebourne, conducted by the composer Benjamin Britten.

The text itself is genuinely funny, and there are myriad musical quotations within the score, as well as some complex forms within, despite the light subject matter. Like other works by Britten, this opera explores society's reaction to an odd individual, although, in this case at least, it is from a generally humorous and lighthearted perspective. Some of Britten's contemporaries saw in the title character a satirical self-portrait of the composer.

Brunel chose to update the action to contemporary times, in a world with rows of little white houses, perfect mowed lawns and a Big-Brother-like video surveillance. Laurence Equilbey’s reading of the score of this exceptional ensemble opera is warm, exuberant and could have not been more musically focussed.

Richard Brunel, stage direction; Marc Lainé, sets; Claire Risterucci, costumes; Mathias Roche, lighting

Albert Herring: Allan Clayton; Lady Billows: Nancy Gustafson; Florence Pike: Felicity Palmer; Miss Wordsworth: Ailish Tynan; Mr. Gedge: Christopher Purves; Mr. Upfold: Simeon Esper; Superintendant Budd: Andrew Greenan; Sid: Leigh Melrose

Length: 140’
HD
Progr. 5800
Director: Martin Fraudreau
Produced by: AMIRAL-LDA, in co-production with France 2 and Mezzo