Best of Gilbert and Sullivan

G&S fans are in for a treat this week when the esteemed Tarantara brings two concert performances of the 19^th century duo’s greatest operettas, HMS Pinafore and Iolanthe.

Both of the productions at Buxton Opera House will feature a large orchestra of 26 players supporting some of the countries most accomplished and celebrated Gilbert and Sullivan singers. Salty tars, sisters, cousins and aunts sparkle in HMS Pinafore while redoubtable peers and peris take to the stage in Iolanthe. The concerts contain some of the greatest melodies ever written includingA maiden fair to see and When I was a lad from HMS Pinafore and The Nightmare Song from Iolanthe. With lilting melodies, gorgeous orchestrations and razor sharp wit G&S is still as relevant to today’s audiences, as they were in the 1800s.

Beloved across the country either by those who have performed in productions or discovered the witty relevance of these satirical gems, here is a chance to enjoy some of the country’s finest G&S shows by a superb cast.

Performing on Saturday evening will be Rebecca Bottone, an international soprano whose concert engagements have included the BBC Proms and English Touring Chamber Orchestra. Whilst conductor Martin Handley’s voice will be familiar to listeners of BBC Radio 3, where he works as a broadcaster, a job which he fits in between conducting all over the world.

Tarantara visits with HMS Pinafore on Wednesday 3 and Saturday 6 February at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee show at2.30pm. Iolanthe takes place on Thursday 4 & Friday 5 February at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced from £14 to £32 and discounts are available. To buy tickets call the Box Office on 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.