Paul Hamlyn First Night

Generously supported by The Helen Hamlyn Trust in association with The Sun

Once again, the Royal Opera House is launching its Season with the Paul Hamlyn First Night, generously supported by The Helen Hamlyn Trust in partnership with The Sun. This performance is for an audience of new faces, people who perhaps may have thought that the Royal Opera House was not for them or have not had the opportunity to come and enjoy a performance here.

Note: you will be entered into a lottery and informed by us whether you have been successful.

Mayerling

Kenneth MacMillan 

7 October at 7:30pm
Ticket Prices: £7.50 - £20

Apply by 9 September 2009 for your chance to buy up to four tickets for this performance*.

Three-act ballet based on the true story of the drug-addicted and morally depraved Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, the outcast eldest son of Emperor Franz Josef Ferdinand, whose life spirals into violence, sadism and chaos. Rudolf’s loveless royal marriage, debauched sexual conquests and failed political scheming lead to a final dance of lust and despair with his teenage mistress - with whom he was found shot dead in a Viennese hunting lodge in 1889.

+ Read Full Story 

Carmen

Georges Bizet 

3 October at 7:00pm
Ticket Prices: £7.50 - £30

Apply by 9 September 2009 for your chance to buy up to four tickets for this performance*.

When Don Jose, a Spanish officer, falls for the gypsy girl Carmen, his world crumbles as he is wound deeper into an obsessive, jealous spell. His passion for the tempestuous girl leads to murder and disgrace. Carmen combines instantly memorable melodies and colourful orchestration with a gripping love story, great energy and a sexy female protagonist. Today it is the most popular opera in the repertoire, but it still retains the capacity to shock, excite and move an audience.

+ Read Full Story