UR_
The Royal Ballet and Opera
- Date night
- Great for groups
- Date
- Thu, 27 May 2027
- Time
- 19:45
- Venue
- Royal Opera House
- City
- London
- Tickets
- See booking site
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
The Royal Ballet and Opera presents UR_ at the Royal Opera House, London.
Why it's fantastic
Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir is celebrated for creating vast, atmospheric soundscapes that seem to mimic the natural world. This new staging by director Netia Jones brings that distinctive sonic language into an intimate space, offering a rare chance to experience one of the most significant voices in modern music.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
In this production of UR_, you will encounter the distinct sonic world of Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir. Her writing is frequently associated with the textures of the natural environment, moving beyond traditional melodic structures to create immersive, atmospheric landscapes. You should listen for the way she treats the voice and instruments as part of a single, shifting ecosystem of sound. The evening is shaped by the vision of director Netia Jones, who brings this score into a focused, intimate setting. Unlike large-scale traditional operas, this work relies on subtle shifts in tension and tone to build its momentum. You might notice how the music seems to breathe or rumble, echoing geological or elemental processes. The staging aims to complement these textures, providing a visual frame for a composer who is considered a vital presence in contemporary music. It is an opportunity to hear how modern opera can expand into new, evocative territories through a close integration of sound and space.
Who's performing
The Royal Ballet and Opera performs this work at its home in Covent Garden. The company is recognised for its expansive repertoire, which ranges from foundational classical masterpieces to pioneering contemporary commissions. Based in London, the ensemble regularly collaborates with leading directors and composers to bring new musical languages to the stage. While the company is known for grand productions, it also maintains a strong commitment to smaller-scale, experimental works that challenge standard operatic forms. The artists involved are experienced in navigating the complexities of modern scores and abstract staging.
Planning your evening
This performance takes place at the Royal Opera House in London on 27 May 2027. As a contemporary opera, it offers a different experience from the standard nineteenth-century repertoire, making it a thoughtful choice if you are interested in modern art and sound design. The running time and interval details are not yet confirmed, and no specific dress code is required for the venue. We recommend checking the casting and language details closer to the date, as information regarding surtitles or specific vocal roles has not been provided at this stage.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
