'Fiesque' opens this evening

University College Opera's latest production, 'Fiesque' by Eduard Lalo, opens tonight at the UCL Bloomsbury Theatre.

Based on a play by Schiller, the action takes place in Genoa in 1547 and follows the political struggle between the republican Count Fiesco and the ruling Doria family. UCOpera's large chorus recreates the air of revolution in the crowded street scenes. Its gutsy responses to calls to arms echo 'Les Miserables', and it is perhaps telling that the opera, written in 1868, is from the same period as Victor Hugo's popularised novel.

UCOpera's productions have been noted for more than 50 years for bringing new or little-known works to light (this will be Fiesque's UK premiere) to the extent that UCL now occupies an important niche in the musicology calendar. UCL does not have a music department, so the existence of UCOpera provides a unique opportunity for students to get involved in musical performance. Working alongside a professional conductor and principals, students make up the chorus, crew and orchestra. They benefit from the experience of seeing professionals at work, but also provide assured support for the soloists - in particular in a series of unaccompanied choral sections. The leads - accomplished performers who have graduated from music colleges and opera studios - are given ample opportunity to demonstrate their talents in the lyrical arias that infuse the fast-moving drama.

Another noteworthy aspect of tonight's production is that it will be sung entirely in French. While many of the cast will speak other languages - encouraged by UCL's focus on modern languages - the feat of learning lines in an unfamiliar tongue makes the show all the more impressive.

'Fiesque' is showing on 10, 12, 14 & 15 March at the Bloomsbury Theatre. Tickets are still available for some performances; visit the Bloomsbury's website for information.