English National Opera stages Charpentier's Medea

A new production by David McVicar starring Sarah Connolly

English National Opera is currently staging David McVicar's new World War II-based production of Charpentier's Medea, starring British mezzo Sarah Connolly in the title role. The French Baroque opera is based on one of the most harrowing tales in Greek mythology, that of a mother who murders her own children in an act of revenge.

Starring alongside Connolly are US tenor Jeffrey Francis making his ENO debut as Jason, bass Brindley Sherratt returning to ENO to sing the role of Creon, and baritone Roderick Williams as Orontes. Medea is conducted by period specialist Christian Curnyn, who recently conducted Rameau's Castor and Pollux for the company.

Performances take place until March 16, 2013. Gramophone's Antony Craig attended the production recently - read his Medea blog here.

To see pictures from the production, click the first image below to launch the gallery:

All images © Clive Barda