Lessons in Love and Violence

We are presented with a semi-staged rendering of George Benjamin’s opera, a work that compresses intense psychological tension into a single ninety-minute arc. You will hear a complex, contemporary orchestral palette as the London Philharmonic Orchestra brings the score to life alongside a cast of eight singers. The music moves away from traditional operatic structures, focusing instead on a lean and confrontational style that mirrors the shifts between private affection and the harsh demands of statecraft. The semi-staged format removes the distractions of full theatrical sets, allowing you to focus on the vocal interactions and the intricate textures of the instruments. Listen for the way Benjamin uses orchestral colours to signal changes in atmosphere, moving from intimate moments to sequences of sudden, sharp intensity. The evening is shaped as a continuous experience, ensuring that the momentum of the drama remains unbroken until the final notes.

Edward Gardner leads the London Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble celebrated for its versatility and its residency at the Southbank Centre. Gardner is widely recognised for his clarity and command in complex modern scores. Joining them is a significant vocal cast including Nathaniel Sullivan, Gyula Orendt, Georgia Jarman, and Toby Spence, alongside James Way, Hannah Sawle, Joanne Evans, and Andri Björn Róbertsson. These soloists are known for their ability to navigate demanding contemporary vocal lines while maintaining clear characterisation. The orchestra brings its signature precision to this difficult repertoire, balancing the technical rigour of the composition with a sense of narrative flow.

This performance takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The production is semi-staged and runs for approximately ninety minutes without an interval, which makes it a practical choice if you prefer a shorter, more concentrated evening of music. As a contemporary opera presented in a concert-hall setting, it serves as an accessible entry point for those interested in modern drama without the scale of a traditional opera house. The seating provides a clear view of both the soloists and the orchestra. No specific dress code is required for this venue, though many patrons opt for smart-casual attire.