York Opera Books

Have you ever wondered why opera plots are so implausible? So often we are expected to suspend our disbelief, and to immerse ourselves in the exhilarating music and wonderful spectacle, but some questions deserve to be answered. Why does The Magic Flute begin with Prince Tamino being chased by a dragon? Why does Hugh the Drover drive horses instead of cattle, and where are they? If Ruddigore is set in a Cornish fishing village, then why are there no fishermen living there? York Opera chorus member, Bill Read, has made it his mission over the years to identify and answer the overlooked questions behind the operas our group have presented, and in our 60th anniversary year, his writings are presented for your enjoyment.