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Final Preparations for Reisopera’s new production of L’Orfeo

Well it’s been a very demanding and emotional six weeks here in Enschede for the Reisopera’s new production of L’Orfeo – putting all the various elements together for this quite audacious version of Monteverdi’s wonderful opera.  Tonight is the dress rehearsal and we open the tour on Saturday, in the Wilmink Theatre.  This show is a real labour of love and a totally collaborative project, incorporating contemporary movement (from both singers and dancers alike), an excellent vocal and dance cast, clear vision from Monique Wakemakers and choreographic wizardry from the force of nature that is Nanine Linning.  To top it all, a groundbreaking moving art installation above the stage courtesy of Studio Drift, which aims to mirror the emotion of the human soul.  There are photos and a mini-doc (below), there have been tears and there will doubtless be relief to get this beast of a show on the road!  Huge congrats to all involved, especially my esteemed stage colleagues.  It has been immense and we haven’t even started the run yet!  The show will apparently be properly be videoed for a closed channel, so watch this space for more information about that…

Samuel Boden as Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
Samuel Boden as Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
Samuel Boden as Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
Samuel Boden as Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
L’Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
L’Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
L’Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
L’Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve
L’Orfeo: Reisopera, January 2020. Photo by Marco Borggreve

Larcher: The Hunting Gun – Aldeburgh Festival 2019

“As the Poet, Samuel Boden channels the quartet’s agonies while standing apart from the action, and his tenor is heard at its most eloquent.” 
ClassicalSource.com, 7th June 2019

“Samuel Boden gave a solid interpretation of the Poet.”
Financial Times, 11 June 2019

“The opera was extremely well cast and acted in a slow and minimalist sort of way. Samuel Boden (Poet) looked the part from head to toe not only by his style and dress but also by his actions.” 
Planet Hugill, 13th June 2019

“Samuel Boden …[was] in all respects first class …”
The Observer, 15 June 2019

“Lessons in Love and Violence” nominated for an Olivier Award

George Benjamin’s Lessons in Love and Violence has been nominated for an Olivier Award in the category Best New Opera Production.

This darkly dramatic new opera was a major event in contemporary music – the latest collaboration between composer George Benjamin and playwright Martin Crimp. Conducted by Benjamin, the world premiere of Lessons in Love and Violence took place at the Royal Opera House in May 2018 and starred an internationally renowned cast including baritone Stéphane Degout as King Edward II, soprano Barbara Hannigan as Queen Isabel, baritone Gyula Orendt as Gaveston, tenor Peter Hoare as Mortimer and Samuel Boden as Boy / Young King.

Benjamin: Lessons in Love and Violence – Royal Opera House

Samuel Boden as Boy/Young King, Barrington-Cook and Barbara Hannigan – Lessons in Love and Violence: ROH May 2018. Photo by Stephen Cummiskece

“…one can only admire the valiant ensemble performance, with…tenor Samuel Boden’s pure-toned royal successor…making the most of [his] very demanding part…”
Independent, 11th May 2018

“Samuel Boden makes a pivotal contribution as the Boy”
What’s on Stage, 11th May 2018

“For the cast, I have nothing but praise:…Sam Boden makes his mark as the boy king with a nasty surprise up his royal sleeve.”
The Telegraph, 11th May 2018

“Samuel Boden is inspired casting as the Boy, growing up to be King.”
Financial Times, 11th January 2018

Samuel Boden as Boy/Young King, Barrington-Cook, Stéphane Degout and Barbara Hannigan in ‘Lessons in Love and Violence’: ROH May 2018. Photo by Stephen Cummiskece

“…Edward III is initially the Boy and later the Young King (sympathetically realised by Samuel Boden).”
The Stage, 11th May 2018

“Samuel Boden is firm yet delicate as the Boy/Young King.”
The Guardian, 19th May 2018

“The son, gracefully sung by tenor Samuel Boden, is clearly intended to be Edward III but is here named “Boy/Young King,”
Opera News, 10th October 2018