Mozart's battle of sexes for Solstice

Opera Theatre Company brings Cosí Tan Tutte to Solstice Arts Centre on Saturday 23rd February. The beguiling beauty of Mozart's music creates a sublime background to this provocative and witty battle of the sexes. A comic tale with serious undertones, Così Fan Tutte explores the complicated world of love, fidelity, and deception. A foolish scheme to test women's faithfulness starts out as a prank, but ends up with bittersweet consequences. We join the action as two young men plot to test their devoted lovers under the manipulative influence of Don Alfonso. This dynamic new production sees Kilkenny-born Orpha Phelan directing a vocally luminous cast in Mozart's renowned romantic comedy. Sung in English, the six-piece Opera Theatre Company touring ensemble is conducted by Andrew Griffiths. The powerful cast includes Irish soprano Mairead Buicke and mezzo soprano Martha Bredin, with Colette Delahunt, Sune Hjerrild, Owen Gilhooly and Simon Wilding. Building on Opera Theatre Company's recent successes with Monteverdi's 'Orfeo' and Mozart's 'The Magic Flute', Così Fan Tutte (7.30pm) promises to be a thoroughly entertaining and engaging opera experience. Tickets €28/25 from the box office on (046) 909 2300 or www.solsticeartscentre.ie for bookings and information.