Watch: Ryan Wigglesworth on The Minotaur
The British conductor and composer speaks about Harrison Birtwistle's mythical opera.
As Harrison Birtwistle’s The Minotaur returns to the Royal Opera House, we asked conductor Ryan Wigglesworth how he is approaching a modern masterpiece.
Ryan spoke about the intoxicating sound world that the composer has created, as well as what it’s like to follow in the footsteps of Antonio Pappano, who conducted the opera’s 2008 premiere to such acclaim.
“The orchestra is huge but Harrison also has a wonderful way of holding back colours and presenting them when they are needed so that there’s an evolution throughout the whole journey of the work”. Ryan says of the piece’s structure, “there’s an endless melody that goes through the piece, but it’s constantly changing shape and form. It’s not something you’re necessarily conscious of, it works somewhere in the back of your mind.”
Watch footage of Ryan conducting The Minotaur‘s Sitzprobe
Read audience reaction to The Minotaur
The Minotaur runs until 28 January. Tickets are still available.
