Composer's birthday ovation as opera proves a hit.

[lliam]

Hi,<BR> any of you guys ever heard of the composer written about below.<BR>Lliam.<P>German composer Hans Werner Henze received a 75th birthday ovation at Covent Garden, London last night(03/20/01) at the end of the Royal Opera's production of his first opera, written shortly after the Second World War.<P>The acclaim from a full audience contrasted with reports that the Royal Oprea faced empty seats and catastrophhic ticket sales for the six performances of Boulevard Solitude.<P>Henze appeared at the final curtain with the young stars of his reworking of the story of Manon Lescaut, a beautiful girl, who deserts her lover for an elderly rich man. But her, story ends in despair after she is tricked into shooting her protector by her brother.<P>The Royal production, by Nikolaus Lehnhoff, is reported to have cost £250,000.<P>A Covent Garden spokeswoman said that although advanced ticket sales had been disappointing, they had picked up for the first night and there was great interest in the five further performances.

[shostakovich]

My only touch with Henze was part of a symphony many years ago. His name went quickly to my s--- list. I'm curious to know who might have had a good experience with Henze's music, and what it was.<P>Welcome back, Lliam. Several people on the boards have wondered what happened to you.<BR>Shos

[lliam]

<BR>Hi Shos,<BR> I havent been away, I have been reading everything that you post, I didn't realise that you had so much knowledge. I have really enjoyed just reading all the postings. I am here, have no fear, I just like to post the occasional tit-bit. Thank you, for helping to make the boards, so interesting. I had a little trouble with the changeover a few weeks ago, but thats all sorted now. <BR>Lliam.<P>