June
April
Jonathan Dove's Flight released, sponsored by Peter Moores Foundation and recorded by Chandos Records
PMF takes Flight!

A Chandos April 2004 release which confirms Peter Moores Foudation's commitment to championing new work.

The Times
'... the dazzling charm of Dove's music...'

There will be a chance to see Flight alight on stage at the Glyndebourne Festival in summer 2005.
Christine Rice - a PMF Scholar
Christine Rice

The Rape of Lucretia at the Royal Opera House

Independent on Sunday:
'For Rice, whose insouciant voice has shades of Susan Bickley at her finest, whose appearance has the curvaceous prettiness of the young Elizabeth Taylor, and whose acting reveals yet more intelligence in each successive role, this Lucretia is another stepping stone to an impressive career.'

 The Observer:
'Lucretia (the role in which Kathleen Ferrier made her operatic debut) is magnificently sung by the honey-toned Christine Rice, who plays the heroine with unshakeable dignity and power. A fantastic performance.'

She can be heard singing Alisa in Chandos Opera in English's recording of Donizetti's Lucia of Lammermoor.

Brad Cohen - a PMF Scholar
Brad Cohen

Bellini's Norma

The Stage
'Conductors able to forge Bellini's meticulously crafted and subtly orchestrated scores into a dynamically meaningful whole are as rare as the Bengal tiger. Brad Cohen is one such. His traversal of Norma is exceptional.'

Giordano's Andrea Chénier - Chelsea Opera Group 2004

The Guardian
'Brad Cohen's conducting was full of anger, sensuality and raw emotion.'
The Magic Flute - the film
Operas should be seen and heard....

From an idea proposed by Sir Peter Moores, a filmed version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, conceived and directed by Kenneth Branagh will start filming in 2006. It will be funded by the Peter Moores Foundation as part of its continuing commitment to reaching new opera audiences through performances in English.
May
September
PRESS RELEASE

KENNETH BRANAGH TO DIRECT FILM OF MOZART’S MAGIC FLUTE

As part of its continuing commitment to reaching new opera audiences through performances in English, the Peter Moores Foundation is happy to announce the forthcoming production of a filmed version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

Conceived and directed by Kenneth Branagh, with James Conlon as its musical director conducting the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, this film is the development of an idea proposed by Sir Peter Moores.

Sir Peter Moores said:

‘It seems to me that The Magic Flute is the ideal opera to film in English, which will appeal to a broad audience outside the opera house.

In Kenneth Branagh we have found the ideal director and I am delighted that he has agreed to bring his great talents to the development of this production. I look forward immensely to seeing the completed film.’

Kenneth Branagh said:

‘This is a very exciting departure for me as a film-maker. Working with Sir Peter Moores and his Foundation to help bring this masterpiece to a different audience, is an immense and thrilling challenge.’

23 September 2004