Peter Grimes

The fisherman Peter Grimes is an outsider who becomes the target of accusations and is eventually driven to a tragic end. The psychological thriller Peter Grimes (1945) explores the deeply human struggle with the elements, with ourselves and with our fellow human beings. In his inimitable fashion, Benjamin Britten uses music to draw links between human fate, the eternal force of the sea and the destructive power of false morality and intolerance.

Lorenzo Viotti and Barbora Horáková

Stage director Barbora Horáková is returning to Dutch National Opera after previously collaborating with conductor Lorenzo Viotti in the unique multidisciplinary project Missa in tempore belli by Haydn (2020). In this new production of Peter Grimes, Horáková and her team highlight the tension between the loner and the village community, with a starring role for the Chorus of Dutch National Opera.

The role of Peter Grimes will be sung by up-and-coming tenor Issachah Savage, who is making his debut with Dutch National Opera. After roles in Der Freischütz and Rusalka, soprano Johanni van Oostrum is returning as Ellen Orford. The role of the fisherman Balstrode will be performed by the striking singer and actor Leigh Melrose. Helena Rasker, a favourite with Dutch audiences, returns to Dutch National Opera to perform the role of Auntie.