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Opera North Presents World Premiere of David Sawer's Skin Deep in Leeds

Feb. 02, 2009

David Sawer's satirical operetta Skin Deep saw its world premiere presented by Opera North at the Leeds Grand Theatre on January 16, kicking off the opera's opening tour which includes further performances at Sadler's Wells, The Lowry at Salford Quay's, Newcastle's Theatre Royal and in Glasgow. With a libretto by multiple British Comedy Award-winner Armando Iannucci, the story takes the audience on a journey of physical perfection, to a place where beauty is created: Dr. Needlemeier's Alpine Clinic - Putting right what nature got wrong. Dr. Needlemeier's interactions with his family, patients and even the odd Hollywood celebrity create this tale that charts desire, spans continents and, ultimately, asks the question: What is the real price of perfection?

The London Times remarks on the premiere, "A potent brew in every sense ... [the] score buzzes with Stravinsky-like rhythmic energy, ingenious orchestral textures and clever ways of drifting between speech and song."

Richard Farnes conducts the orchestra and chorus of Opera North, featuring singers Amy Freston, Janis Kelly, Heather Shipp, Geoffrey Dolton, Andrew Tortise and Mark Stone. Later this year, the production receives European performances from its other commissioning partners: Bregenzer Festspiele, Det Kongelige Teater, Copenhagen and Komische Oper Berlin.

To learn more on the music of David Sawer, visit www.universaledition.com.

More can be found on the opera Skin Deep at Opera North's website devoted to the production, www.goskindeep.com.

David Sawer
Skin Deep (2005-2008)
operetta in three acts
libretto (En) by Armando Iannucci
for 2 sopranos, mezzo-soprano, tenor, bass-baritone and speaking role 
2.2.2.2-2.2.2.1-timp.2perc.hp.pno(cel)-str
full evening

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