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A combination antiwar statement and ghost tale, based on a Henry James story, the opera was commissioned for BBC TV, where it premiered in 1971; then it was pretty much forgotten. The setting is British and late Victorian, but the message–aggh–is as timely now as it was during the Vietnam war. The title character, convincingly played and sung by baritone Matthew Worth, is heir to a military tradition he detests; the war he has to fight is the battle for peace, waged entirely at home.
The 14-member orchestra is conducted by Steuart Bedford, who worked with Britten on the original production. It’s a great climax to an outstanding season at Chicago’s most interesting opera company. Performances are at 7:30 PM on May 20, 22, and 26 and 3 PM on May 24, all at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets are $30 to $120 at ChicagoOperaTheater.org or 312-704-8414. Check for half-price, midrange tickets at the box office two hours prior to performance.
