A new production of Judith Weir’s opera – this tale of swirling mysteries and dark secrets opens the Aldeburgh Festival in truly dramatic style.
Blond Eckbert is a haunting tale of isolation and enigma, based on a supernatural short story by the Romantic author Ludwig Tieck.
Eckbert and Berthe live a life of quiet solitude in their forest home. One day, an old friend pays an unexpected visit, setting in motion a series of revelations and mysteries. As dark secrets surface, Eckbert suspects his world is far stranger than it first appeared, and that the past is maybe best left buried.
a deliciously disturbing fairy-tale
The Telegraph
a terrific sense of unease in this psychological thriller... The subtly nuanced acting and expressive singing of a fine cast (Simon Wallfisch, Flora McIntosh, William Morgan, Aoife Miskelly) adds to that sense of unease. You get a vivid feeling of traumas barely suppressed.
The Times
a short sharp injection of psychological torment, underpinned by an evocative score
Thoroughly Good
Influences of Film Noir and Romantic art brought a fascinating reading of Judith Weir's 1994 opera to open the Aldeburgh Festival... this cast and creative team have produced a show with great thought and impact.
Opera Now
excellent performances from the singers and chamber ensemble
Guardian
