Stunning opera filled the ballroom at The George Hotel in Rye raising awareness about an innovative opera being written about the town.
The fundraiser on 26 November heard how plans for Chronicles of Rye will bring local people together in both its creation and performance.
The opera will be composed by Dominique Le Gendre, whose work has been performed at the Royal Opera House and at the BBC Proms. She said she was looking forward to being inspired by Rye. “I am building in time for contemplation and appreciation of Rye from all sorts of perspectives so that I can translate it into music.”
She said she hoped the opera would also bring the community together. “It’s exciting to think of the different musicians and groups already here that might appear in the story, just as it’s exciting to think of how we can include children and young people in the choirs of the opera.”
Chronicles of Rye is a partnership between Strongback Productions and Barefoot Opera from St Leonards, whose musicians performed a selection of music from Delibes, Bizet, Donizetti and Purcell on the evening at The George. Founder Jenny Miller said, “Opera is for everyone. We are so excited to be part of this amazing new venture.”
Whilst Dominique will compose the music, the words and lyrics will be written by librettists Stephen Plaice and Marcia Bellamy who were keen to share their initial thoughts. “We’ve been re-acquainting ourselves with Rye, looking for the sprit of the town through local people’s voices and characters from the past.”
Rye News will be heavily involved in the creation of Chronicles of Rye gathering stories and sounds of the town to be included in the opera.
Rother Councillor and opera lover Simon McGurk said he was excited by the plans. “Thanks Dominique and everyone who made this such a success. I’ve been very happy to support Barefoot for a couple of years now here in Rye and I absolutely love this concept. I’m over the moon to see this development in Rye.”
It’s hoped the first part of the new production will be performed in autumn 2026.
The Chronicles of Rye event was supported by The George Hotel and Gusbourne Wines.
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson , Juliet Duff .