English National Opera to celebrate Charlie Parker
London will stage the European premier of ‘Yardbird’ telling the story of the saxophone legend
London's Hackney Empire and The ENO are presenting the European premier of ‘Yardbird’, an opera telling the story of legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker. The piece takes its name from Parker’s nickname, and is staged at the end of his life, as he’s composing his final masterpiece, revisiting the inspirations, demons and women who fuelled his creative genius, set in the world famous Birdland night club.
Daniel Schnyder has written the jazz infused score (he calls it ‘be-bopera’!) with libretto by award winning African-American poet Bridgette A. Wimberly. American opera star Lawrence Brownlee (tenor) will play the title role.
The show makes its transfer from New York next month - it plays at London’s Hackney Empire on 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th June.
Details can be found HERE, and the trailer is below: