Nothing

Glyndebourne, Glynde, near Lewes, Thursday, February 25, to Saturday, February 27, 2016

TO mark the 30th anniversary of Glyndebourne’s education programme the opera house has joined forces with an Olivier-nominated composer and librettist to host a world premiere next year.

Nothing is based on Danish author Janne Teller’s story about a group of teenagers trying to convince a classmate that life has meaning - only to adopt ever more extreme methods to get their message across.

The book is being adapted into an opera by composter David Bruce and librettist Glyn Maxwell, who were nominated for an Olivier Award for their work on Philip Pullman’s The Firework Maker’s Daughter.

“Nothing deals with the most fundamental question of all - what is the point of existence?” says Bruce.

“Just from the synopsis I knew it was fruitful operatic territory.”

Nothing will be performed by 50 members of the Glyndebourne Youth Opera, supported by a small number of professional singers, and directed Bijan Sheibani making his debut at the opera house.

His previous directing credits have included A Taste Of Honey and Emil And The Detectives at the National Theatre.

“Nothing is a very rich novel that reminded me of the huge, exciting, difficult journey teenagers go on, as they move from childhood into adulthood,” he says.

“Nothing spins a web of emotional conflicts, ethical dilemmas, and fascinating philosophical ideas. I am looking forward to exploring all of that with a cast of both young and professional performers.”

Sian Edwards will conduct musicians from the Southbank Sinfonia, who will mentor 20 young instrumentalists to play alongside them in the orchestra pit.

Tickets are on sale now for the production, which is recommended for 12 years and over.

Tickets £15/£7. Call 01273 815000.